Rock Cycle: Evolving Process
The rock cycle of plate tectonics is an evolutionary process. Magma formation promotes the eruption of the crustal or upper mantle material’s a more silicic and volatile-rich portion, both in the spreading ridge environment and inside the wedge above a subduction zone. This less dense material is more likely to remain in the crust than to be re-subducted into the mantle. The magmatic features of plate tectonics tend to gradually separate the mantle from the crust or the other way around.
The early melt of magma comprises the more silicic phases with a lower melting point. This causes the lithosphere to further separate and partially melt. Furthermore, because the silicic continental crust is very buoyant, it is rarely re-subducted into the mantle. As a result, the continental masses continue to grow bigger and bigger.
Related Links
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