What is the term for the continuous process through which rocks are formed, transformed, and recycled?

The correct answer is the term "Rock cycle," which describes the continuous process through which rocks are formed, transformed, and recycled. This cycle encompasses three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

The rock cycle illustrates how these rock types change from one to another over geological time due to various processes such as melting, cooling, erosion, compaction, and metamorphism. For instance, igneous rocks can be broken down through weathering into sediments, which can then form sedimentary rocks. Alternatively, sedimentary rocks can undergo heat and pressure to transform into metamorphic rocks, demonstrating the interconnected nature of these processes.

Understanding the rock cycle is crucial for comprehending broader geological concepts and the Earth's dynamic systems.