Answer :
The correct statements about the rock cycle are as follows:
1. Rocks can change on the Earth's surface: This statement is true. Weathering and erosion processes can break down rocks into smaller pieces or sediments, which can then be transported and deposited in new locations. These sediments can later undergo compaction and cementation to form sedimentary rocks.
2. Rocks can change from one type to another: This statement is true. Rocks can undergo processes such as heat, pressure, and melting to transform from one type of rock to another. For example, an igneous rock can be weathered and eroded to form sedimentary rocks, which under intense heat and pressure can metamorphose into metamorphic rocks.
3. Rocks can change deep underground: This statement is true. Rocks deep underground can experience high temperatures and pressures that lead to changes in their mineral composition and texture, resulting in the formation of metamorphic rocks. These changes occur within the Earth's crust or mantle.
4. Once a rock has changed it cannot change again: This statement is false. Rocks in the rock cycle are constantly being transformed from one type to another through various geological processes. Rocks can undergo multiple cycles of weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, heat, and pressure, leading to continuous changes over geological time.
Understanding the rock cycle helps explain how different types of rocks are interrelated and how Earth's surface is continually changing due to geological processes.
