Identify the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle.

Identify the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle.

• A. Granite, marble, and basalt
• B. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
• C. Siltstone, sandstone, and limestone
• D. Coal, shale, and conglomerate

Answer: (B)

The correct answer identifies the three fundamental categories of rocks within the rock cycle: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten material called magma or lava. This process can occur either beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rocks, or at the surface during a volcanic eruption, forming extrusive igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks are created through the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, along with precipitation of minerals from solutions. This process typically occurs in layers over time, leading to distinct features that can be observed in sedimentary formations. Metamorphic rocks arise when existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) undergo transformations due to high pressure, high temperature, or chemically active fluids. This process alters the mineral structure and texture of the rocks without melting them. Understanding these three main types of rocks is essential in comprehending how they interact through the rock cycle — a continuous process of transformation that includes the formation, breakdown, and reformation of rocks over geological time. Other choices mentioned do not represent the primary categories of rocks but rather specific examples or subcategories within these broader classifications.

The correct answer identifies the three fundamental categories of rocks within the rock cycle: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten material called magma or lava. This process can occur either beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rocks, or at the surface during a volcanic eruption, forming extrusive igneous rocks.

Sedimentary rocks are created through the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, along with precipitation of minerals from solutions. This process typically occurs in layers over time, leading to distinct features that can be observed in sedimentary formations.

Metamorphic rocks arise when existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) undergo transformations due to high pressure, high temperature, or chemically active fluids. This process alters the mineral structure and texture of the rocks without melting them.

Understanding these three main types of rocks is essential in comprehending how they interact through the rock cycle — a continuous process of transformation that includes the formation, breakdown, and reformation of rocks over geological time. Other choices mentioned do not represent the primary categories of rocks but rather specific examples or subcategories within these broader classifications.