Geological Cycles
Geological cycles refer to the natural processes that shape the Earth's surface over time. These cycles include the rock cycle, hydrological cycle, and tectonic cycle, which involve the transformation and movement of rocks, water, and tectonic plates. Each cycle plays a crucial role in the formation of landscapes, the distribution of minerals, and the overall structure of the Earth.
The rock cycle describes how rocks change from one type to another through processes like weathering, erosion, and metamorphism. The hydrological cycle involves the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, while the tectonic cycle focuses on the movement of the Earth's plates, leading to phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.