Identify the three types of rocks and describe how each is formed or transformed via the rock cycle.

Igneous rocks form from the solidification of molten material called magma, which originates from deep within the Earth's mantle. When magma cools and solidifies either below the Earth's surface (intrusive) or on the Earth's surface after a volcanic eruption (extrusive), it forms igneous rocks. Examples of igneous rocks include granite (intrusive) and basalt (extrusive).

Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and consolidation of sediments such as rock fragments, minerals, and organic materials (like the remains of plants and animals). These sediments are deposited in layers over time, typically through processes like erosion, weathering, and transportation by water, wind, and ice. Over time, the sediments become compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks. Examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, limestone, and shale.

Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) undergo changes in their mineral composition, texture, or structure due to heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids. This process is called metamorphism, and it occurs deep within the Earth's crust, typically at convergent plate boundaries or during mountain building events. Examples of metamorphic rocks include marble (formed from limestone) and slate (formed from shale).

The rock cycle describes the continuous processes by which rocks are changed from one type to another. Here is an outline of the transformations between the three types of rocks: 1. Igneous rocks can become sedimentary rocks through weathering and erosion, followed by deposition, compaction, and cementation of the resulting sediments. 2. Sedimentary rocks can become metamorphic rocks through heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids during metamorphism. 3. Metamorphic rocks can become sedimentary rocks through weathering, erosion, and sedimentation or return to the igneous stage by melting and then cooling and solidifying into new igneous rocks. 4. Igneous rocks can also become metamorphic rocks through heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids during metamorphism. 5. Any type of rock can be transformed back into the same type of rock through various rock cycle processes (for example, a sedimentary rock can be weathered, eroded, and reformed into a new sedimentary rock). The rock cycle continually reshapes the composition and structure of Earth's crust, contributing to the formation and transformation of the three types of rocks.