petrogenesis
Quick Summary
Petrogenesis is the geological study of the origin and formation of rocks. It encompasses all three major rock types: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Petrology, a related field, examines rocks' composition, texture, structure, and occurrence, often relying on principles of mineralogy.12
The rock cycle illustrates how these rock types transform through processes like erosion, weathering, deposition, diagenesis (compaction and cementation), and lithification. Metamorphism, a key process, involves the solid-state recrystallization of existing rocks due to changes in temperature, pressure, and chemical composition. Magma, molten rock from which igneous rocks form, plays a crucial role, with different types like basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic magmas originating under various geological conditions.34567
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.