What do we call the series of processes that change rocks from one type to another over time?

The series of processes that change rocks from one type to another over time is known as the rock cycle. This cycle illustrates the dynamic nature of the Earth's crust, showing how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks transform into one another through processes such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting, and changing under heat and pressure.

For example, igneous rocks can break down into sediments through weathering and erosion, which might then compact and cement to form sedimentary rocks. If these sedimentary rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth, they can metamorphose into metamorphic rocks. Additionally, if any of these rock types experience intense heat, they may melt and become magma, restarting the cycle.

This continuous, interconnected process is fundamental to understanding how geological materials are recycled within the Earth’s system, making the rock cycle a key concept in geology.