The rock cycle is a continuous process in which rocks change from one type to another.
As you travel from the top of a volcano to the mantle, you would observe the following rock cycle:
1. Igneous rocks
At the top of the volcano, you would see igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies.
Magma is molten rock that forms beneath the Earth's surface.
When magma rises to the surface and erupts from a volcano, it is called lava.
Igneous rocks can be either intrusive or extrusive. Intrusive igneous rocks form when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface.
Extrusive igneous rocks form when magma cools quickly at the Earth's surface.
Examples of intrusive igneous rocks include granite and gabbro. Examples of extrusive igneous rocks include basalt and rhyolite.
2. Sedimentary rocks
Below the igneous rocks, you would see sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification (compaction and cementation) of sediments.
Sediments are fragments of rocks, minerals, and other organic materials that are transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice.
Examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, and limestone.
3. Metamorphic rocks
Below the sedimentary rocks, you would see metamorphic rocks.
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure.
This can happen when rocks are buried deep beneath the Earth's surface or when they are caught up in tectonic plate collisions.
Metamorphic rocks can be formed from any type of rock, igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.
Examples of metamorphic rocks include gneiss, schist, and marble.
4. Hot spot magma
Below the metamorphic rocks, you would reach the mantle.
The mantle is a layer of hot, dense rock that lies between the Earth's crust and core.
In some places, hot spot magma rises through the mantle and crust to form volcanoes.
Hot spot magma is particularly hot and fluid, which is why it is able to rise through the solid rock.