What process describes the formation and transformation of rocks on Earth?

The formation and transformation of rocks on Earth is best described by the Rock Cycle. This concept encompasses the various processes that lead to the creation, alteration, and breakdown of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It illustrates how rocks can change from one type to another through processes such as melting, cooling, erosion, and compaction.

The Rock Cycle is a continuous process where, for example, an igneous rock can undergo weathering and erosion to become sediment, which then may lithify into sedimentary rock. This sedimentary rock can also be subjected to heat and pressure, transforming it into metamorphic rock. Eventually, metamorphic rock can melt back into magma, completing the cycle. This dynamic interaction among different rock types is key to understanding geological processes on Earth.