How are the rock cycle and plate tectonics related in how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are form

Question

How are the rock cycle and plate tectonics related in how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are form

Answer 1

The earth's plates are driven by convection currents beneath them.  This movement causes plates to spread at spreading centers (lava flows out here creating igneous rocks (basalt)) and the other edge of the plate subducts (or is uplifted) under annother plate.  An oceanic plate will subduct under a continential plate because it is heavier.  Inland from the subduction zone is normally a mountain range cause by magma comming to the surface and erupting as lava.  This forms igneous rocks also.  As the mountains are exposed to environmental conditions, they break down into sediment.  The sediment is then transported and deposited where it is cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.  Where two continential plates converge, both rocks are uplifted.  Here there is a tremendous amount of heat and pressure which causes the rock, either sedimentary, metamorphic, (or igneous,) to partially melt.  Once the rock cools, it is known as a metamorphic rock.  As these rocks are exposed to environmental conditions, they too break down into sediment and eventually form sedimentary rocks.

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