How does rock cycle begin?
1 Answer
The rock cycle essentially began shortly after the Earth formed and oceans developed some 4.56 billion years ago.
Explanation:
As soon as the first volcanoes or mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics and the oceans formed, weathering and erosion (wind, water) started to tear mountains down and deposit the sediments into ocean basins.
The rock cycle has been going since then. Interestingly, it is thought that there may not be a rock cycle on the moon as it has no atmosphere and no plate tectonic actions.
So, for example, the footprints of the astronauts who landed in the late 60s to 70;s will likely be there for millions of years!
