Factors Affecting Rock Cycle
The factors which affects the rock cycle, both human and environmental phenomena includes the following:
- The internal heat and pressure of the earth, which causes rocks to melt down completely or to transform it into metamorphic rock.
- Uplift of land by the processes of tectonic process, which tends to expose rock that were underground by weathering and erosion.
- The rate of weathering, which are affected by climatic conditions like precipitation and temperature.
- Plant growth, especially of the roots can physically break up rocks and also change environmental chemistry and kind of rock which is weathered, determines soil quality, nutrient levels and other local biodiversity.
- Rates of erosion are affected by water, wind, ice, or gravity, which are mostly driven by water cycle, atmospheric and also ocean circulation.
- The size and depth of bodies of water, where sediments are deposited.
- Extraction of rocks and fossil fuels, may increase erosion and decrease water quality.
- Process of urbanisation, which revolves around paving land with concrete, which lead to increase in water runoff.
- Human land and water uses, which includes deforestation and agricultural activities.
- Extreme weather conditions increases rates of erosion due to flood or wave actions.
Rock Cycle
Rock cycle refers to the web of processes that outlines how the three main types of rocks- igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, form and break down based on various applications of processes of heat and pressure over due course of time. For example, sedimentary rock becomes slate when both heat and pressure are added to it. The more heat and pressure added, the process of rock metamorphoses is furthered until it changes to gneiss and the rock melts down completely and reforms as igneous rock.
Table of Content
- What is the Rock Cycle?
- Rock Cycle Diagram
- Rock Cycle Steps
- Factors Affecting Rock Cycle
- Rock Cycle- Transition and Formation
- Rock Cycle: Transition to Igneous Rock
- Rock Cycle: Transition to Metamorphic Rock
- Rock Cycle: Transition to Sedimentary Rock