Delving into the Science of Our Planet

The Rock Cycle

Rocks are not static; they’re constantly transformed through processes known as the rock cycle. This cycle involves three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous Rock Formation

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. There are two main types: intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly beneath the surface, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite), while extrusive igneous rocks cool rapidly above the surface, forming smaller crystals or a glassy texture (e.g., basalt).

Igneous Rocks = Magma/Lava → Cooling & Solidification

Sedimentary Rock Processes

Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and cementation of sediments—fragments of other rocks, minerals, or organic material. Key processes include weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification.

Plate Tectonics – Earth’s Dynamic Crust

The theory of plate tectonics explains that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that move over the underlying mantle. These movements cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Plate Movement = Convection Currents in Mantle → Geological Activity

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Plate Tectonics & Mantle Convection Simulator and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.