Question

rock on earth is constantly changing. the rock cycle describes the processes that create, destroy, and transform earth’s rock. these processes are driven by energy flowing between different parts of earth.
the model below shows how the rock cycle forms the three main types of rock: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
image of rock cycle diagram
select all of the true statements.

• parts of the rock cycle take place below ground.
• rock moves through the rock cycle very quickly.
• sedimentary rock can become metamorphic rock.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each statement based on the rock cycle:

Statement 1: “Parts of the rock cycle take place below ground”

Processes like melting (forming magma), metamorphism (due to heat/pressure deep underground), and some sedimentation (e.g., in ocean basins, but also deep burial) occur below ground. This is true.

Statement 2: “Rock moves through the rock cycle only once”

The rock cycle is continuous—rocks can be recycled multiple times (e.g., an igneous rock can become sedimentary, then metamorphic, then melt to become igneous again). So this is false.

Statement 3: “Sedimentary rock can become metamorphic rock”

When sedimentary rock is subjected to high heat and pressure (e.g., deep underground), it undergoes metamorphism to become metamorphic rock. This is true (via the “metamorphism” process in the cycle).

Answer:

• Parts of the rock cycle take place below ground (True)
• Sedimentary rock can become metamorphic rock (True)

(The statement “Rock moves through the rock cycle only once” is False and not selected.)