Question

What process is missing from the model at number 3?


the process of melting, where heat causes solid rocks to change into liquid


the process of uplift, where cooled rocks are pushed upward to Earth's surface


the process of weathering, where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces


the process of crystallization, where rock composition changes due to heat

Answer 1

I don’t have the diagram, so I can’t be sure which process #3 is. Could you upload the model or tell me what the boxes/arrows before and after #3 show (what rocks or states are at #2 and #4)?

Meanwhile, here’s how to pick from the four choices depending on the transition shown:

- Melting — use this if the arrow goes from a solid rock (igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary) down to liquid magma/lava.
- Crystallization — use this if the arrow goes from magma/lava to solid igneous rock (note: crystallization is cooling and solidifying of molten rock; the description you gave for crystallization is incorrect).
- Weathering — use this if the arrow goes from a rock at Earth’s surface to broken pieces/sediment (surface breakdown into smaller pieces).
- Uplift — use this if the arrow goes from buried/cool rock up to Earth’s surface (movement pushing rocks upward).

Send the picture or describe the neighboring steps and I’ll identify #3 for you.