The rock cycle is driven by two main sources of energy: thermal energy from the sun and thermal energy from the Earth's interior.
- Energy from the sun primarily influences the formation of sedimentary rocks through weathering, erosion, and deposition processes.
- Energy from the Earth's interior drives the formation of metamorphic and igneous rocks through processes such as heat and pressure in the Earth's crust, as well as volcanic activity.
Together, these energy sources facilitate the continuous transformation of rocks in the rock cycle.