Sedimentary rock forms from sand and other particles that are buried, compacted, and cemented together by natural processes. In many locations around the world, sedimentary rock is gradually pushed and pulled into the Earth's interior by tectonic forces. This begins a series of transformations for the rock.

Question

The list below shows one potential series of transformations for sedimentary rock. Choose the answers that correctly fill in the missing steps.

Sedimentary rock is pulled into Earth's interior by tectonic forces.

Later, heat rising from below causes part of the metamorphic rock to melt, forming magma.

The igneous rock is uplifted to Earth's surface, where it erodes to form new sediment.

Answer 1

Here is the correct series of transformations for sedimentary rock, with the missing steps filled in:

1. Sedimentary rock is pulled into Earth's interior by tectonic forces.
2. The sedimentary rock is subjected to increasing heat and pressure, transforming it into metamorphic rock.
3. Later, heat rising from below causes part of the metamorphic rock to melt, forming magma.
4. The magma cools and solidifies to form igneous rock.
5. The igneous rock is uplifted to Earth's surface, where it erodes to form new sediment.

This sequence illustrates the rock cycle, demonstrating how sedimentary rock can be transformed into metamorphic rock, then into magma, and subsequently into igneous rock before being weathered back into sediment.