Rock Cycle & Volcanoes

Three Major Rock Types
Geologists identify the three major rock types as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each specific rock begins due to the Earth's mantle melting and forcing magma to the ground surface. The process of nature transforms the molten rock into igneous, sedimentary, and then metamorphic. (2004, Rock Cycle).

The Rock Cycle
Igneous rocks may be formed due to the cooling of molten rock released by volcanic magma above or below the Earth's surface. Volcanic igneous rocks begin to form when the temperature of molten rock is cooled quickly after an eruption above the surface. Plutonic igneous rocks are formed beneath the surface after the molten rock slowly cools and solidifies. (2004, Rock Cycle).
Sedimentary rocks are a result of igneous rocks enduring weathering, erosion, and lithification. Igneous rocks are exposed to nature's process of transporting small particles of the rocks and depositing them as sediments. Sediments endure the process of lithification which compacts and cements the small particles of igneous rocks. The hardened particles are then formed into sedimentary rocks. (2005, Rocks).
Metamorphic rocks may be formed due to chemical and physical changes of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Igneous and sedimentary rocks endure high levels of pressure, heat, and force which produce the metamorphic rock. Igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks can be heated to such a degree in which they are melted and repeat the rock cycle. (2000, Fichter).

Hawaii
Hawaii is a very popular vacation spot and tourist attraction. The island is apart of the United States and is surrounded by five volcanoes. Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea are the volcanoes that make up the big island of Hawaii. One volcano is considered dormant, one extinct, and the remaining three are said to be active. (2007, Fisher). Visiting Hawaii can be very exciting, especially if you wish to see volcanoes. However, it's nearly impossible to see the entire rock cycle process. The Earth's mantle pushes melting magma towards the surface and erupts through a volcano. The magma is spread across land which is viewable to people on the island of Hawaii. The molten rock would be cooled and hardened into igneous rock. This process may also take place underground which would not be viewable to tourists and residents of Hawaii. Viewing volcanic activity is an everyday event for residents but can be rather scary for tourists if they don't know what to expect! Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks would not be able to be seen immediately after an eruption. Often the process of their transitions into rocks is below the Earth's surface. (2004, Rock Cycle).

References
Fichter, L. (2000). Metamorphic Rocks. Department of Geology and Environmental Science James Madison University. Retrieved February 22, 2007 from http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/Fichter/MetaRx
Fisher, J. (2007). Volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors. Retrieved January 22, 2007 from http://gohawaii.about.com/cs/volcanoes/a/bi_volcanoes.htm
Rocks. (2005). The Rock Cycle. Mineral Information Finder. Retrieved February 22, 2007 from http://www.rocksandminerals.com
Rock Cycle. (2004). The Rock Cycle, Ch. 3, pp. 52-55. The McGraw-Hill Companies. Retrieved January 22, 2007 from SCI/245 Reading Material.