Rock formation and erosion cycle. Cutaway illustration showing the cycle by which rocks are formed and eroded. At left, volcanic activity forms new ro
Rock formation and erosion cycle. Cutaway illustration showing the cycle by which rocks are formed and eroded. At left, volcanic activity forms new rock on the Earth's surface as molten rock (lava) rises from the Earth's mantle (bottom). Weathering and erosion processes (top right)then slowly over thousands of years wear down the rock. Wind and water transport the eroded rock, and sediment is deposited at the mouths of rivers and on ocean beds. River deltas may form new land, but the layered ocean sediment is returned to the mantle (orange) at subduction zones, or lifted up by tectonic activity to be eroded once more.
Size: 4827px × 3620px
Photo credit: © TIM BROWN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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