earth-sciences

Petrology & Rock Formation

The science of rocks — igneous crystallization sequences, metamorphic grade transitions, sediment transport dynamics, mineral optical identification, and the full rock cycle that reshapes Earth's crust over geological time.

petrologyigneous rocksmetamorphic rockssedimentary rocksmineralogyrock cyclegeology

Petrology is the branch of geology that studies the origin, composition, distribution, and structure of rocks. By examining mineralogy, texture, and chemical signatures, petrologists reconstruct the pressure–temperature histories that formed igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks — revealing billions of years of planetary evolution.

These simulations let you crystallize magma in a cooling chamber, push rocks through metamorphic facies, transport sediment down river channels, identify minerals under polarized light, and trace material through the complete rock cycle — all with real-time interactive controls and physically grounded models.

5 interactive simulations

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Igneous Crystallization & Bowen's Series

Simulate magma cooling and watch minerals crystallize in Bowen's reaction series — explore how temperature, cooling rate, and silica content control igneous rock texture and composition

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Metamorphic Grade & Facies Diagram

Simulate pressure–temperature paths through metamorphic facies — explore how burial depth, geothermal gradient, and protolith composition determine metamorphic grade and mineral assemblages

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Mineral Identification & Optical Properties

Simulate polarized light microscopy — explore how birefringence, extinction angle, crystal system, and refractive index help identify rock-forming minerals in thin section

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The Rock Cycle: Transform & Recycle

Simulate the complete rock cycle — explore how weathering rate, tectonic uplift, burial depth, and heat flow drive transformations between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

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Sediment Transport & Deposition

Simulate sediment entrainment and deposition in a river channel — explore how flow velocity, grain size, channel slope, and water depth control erosion, transport, and sedimentation