The Rock Cycle

The Earth was formed approximately 4,600 million years ago, as a sphere of molten rock.

• The first solid rocks to form at the Earth’s surface crystallised from molten magma.
• Processes at or beneath the Earth’s surface modify rocks and transform them into other materials or rock types.
• These processes contribute in The Rock Cycle, as illustrated below (© Steven Earle. CC BY).

Discover more about the rock cycle with this excellent video (4m 24s):
Courtesy of Mike Sammartano

Discover more about Weathering and Erosion with this excellent video (16m 48s):
Courtesy of Mike Sammartano

A joint TESEP - AusGeol.org production.

This educational product is designed for Yr 7-10 secondary students to complement the earth and space component
of the Australian National Science Curriculum and all Australian State and Territory curricula

The content and design of this educational product is based upon materials previously published by AusGeol.org