How Rocks Form - Middle School Earth and Space Science
- What type of sedimentary rock forms from the remains of organisms?
- Organic (biochemical) sedimentary rock. Shells, bones, or plant matter accumulate and lithify.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These form through cooling, compaction, and heat/pressure processes.
- Which type of metamorphism mainly occurs over large regions during mountain building?
- Regional metamorphism. Tectonic forces create widespread heat and pressure.
- What is metamorphism?
- Rock changes due to heat, pressure, and fluids without melting. Solid-state transformation creates new minerals and textures.
- What is weathering in the context of forming sediments?
- Breaking down rock into smaller pieces or dissolved materials. Physical or chemical processes break rock apart.
- Identify the rock type formed by cooling lava at Earth's surface: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
- Igneous (extrusive). Lava cooling at surface forms extrusive igneous rock.
- Which rock-cycle process directly produces sediments from any rock type?
- Weathering. Breaks down any rock type into transportable particles.
- Identify the rock type formed by cooling lava quickly at Earth's surface.
- Extrusive igneous rock. Rapid cooling creates fine-grained volcanic rock.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical or chemical breakdown without transport.
- What type of rock forms when sediment is compacted and cemented?
- Sedimentary rock. Forms from accumulated and lithified sediments.
- What igneous texture indicates extremely rapid cooling with no crystals?
- Glassy texture. Instant cooling prevents any crystal formation.
- Which process changes rock by heat, pressure, and fluids without melting?
- Metamorphism. Solid-state transformation alters minerals and texture.
- Which rock type most commonly contains fossils?
- Sedimentary rock. Forms in environments where organisms can be buried and preserved.
- What type of metamorphism occurs mainly from heat near magma?
- Contact metamorphism. Localized heating from nearby magma intrusions.
- What texture is most likely when magma cools slowly underground?
- Coarse-grained texture with large crystals. Slow cooling gives atoms time to form visible crystals.
- Identify the rock-cycle process: rock is buried, heated, and squeezed but does not melt.
- Metamorphism. Heat and pressure alter rock structure without melting.
- Which rock-cycle process changes any rock type into magma?
- Melting. High temperatures break mineral bonds, creating liquid rock.
- What does "metamorphism" mean in terms of rock change?
- Solid-state change; the rock does not melt. Minerals recrystallize while remaining solid throughout.
- What is lithification?
- Compaction and cementation that turns sediment into sedimentary rock. Pressure squeezes grains; minerals cement them together.
- Identify the rock type most likely produced by compaction and cementation of sand.
- Sedimentary rock. Sand grains compact and cement together over time.
- What process forms igneous rock from magma or lava?
- Cooling and crystallization (solidification). Magma/lava loses heat and minerals form crystal structures.
- Identify the process: rock breaks into smaller pieces but keeps the same minerals.
- Physical weathering. Mechanical breakdown without chemical change.
- Identify the rock type formed by compaction and cementation of sediments.
- Sedimentary rock. Lithification turns loose sediments into solid rock.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Minerals form crystals as molten rock cools and solidifies.
- What is weathering in the context of rock formation and change?
- The breakdown of rock into smaller pieces or dissolved materials. Physical and chemical processes break rock apart.
- What two processes lithify sediments into sedimentary rock?
- Compaction and cementation. These processes turn loose sediments into solid rock.
- What is the key difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering?
- Chemical changes minerals; physical breaks rock without changing composition. Chemical alters minerals; physical just breaks rock apart.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground molten rock; lava is molten rock at the surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What process moves weathered sediment from one place to another?
- Erosion. Transport by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is molten rock at Earth's surface. Location determines name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Molten rock solidifies as atoms arrange into crystal structures.
- What is lithification?
- Compaction and cementation that turn sediment into rock. Two-step process converts loose sediment to solid rock.
- What determines whether an igneous rock has large or small crystals?
- Cooling rate (slow = large crystals, fast = small crystals). Slower cooling allows more time for crystal growth.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Molten rock solidifies as atoms arrange into crystal structures.
- What process turns any rock into magma in the rock cycle?
- Melting. High temperatures cause rock to become molten magma.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- The dropping and settling of transported sediments. Occurs when transporting energy decreases.
- What process forms metamorphic rock?
- Heat and pressure (and fluids) change existing rock without melting. Solid-state transformation below melting point.
- What is deposition in the context of sedimentary rock formation?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediments in a new location. Energy decreases, causing sediments to accumulate.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is magma that reaches the surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- Identify the rock type formed when lava cools quickly at Earth's surface.
- Extrusive igneous rock. Surface cooling creates fine-grained or glassy texture.
- Which rock-cycle process returns any rock to magma, enabling new igneous rock?
- Melting. Creates magma that can cool to form new igneous rock.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical breakdown maintains original mineral composition.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is at Earth's surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What process melts rock to produce magma, restarting the rock cycle?
- Melting. Creates magma that can cool into new igneous rock.
- Identify the correct sequence to form clastic sedimentary rock from bedrock.
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → compaction/cementation. Each step transforms rock fragments into solid sedimentary rock.
- What is lithification?
- Process that forms sedimentary rock from sediment. Combines compaction and cementation to create solid rock.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical breakdown maintains original mineral composition.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Minerals form as the molten rock loses heat.
- What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rock formation?
- Intrusive cools underground; extrusive cools at the surface. Location determines cooling rate and crystal size.
- What is erosion in the context of sediment formation?
- Transport of weathered material by water, wind, ice, or gravity. Moving agents carry weathered particles away.
- What process moves weathered sediment from one place to another?
- Erosion. Wind, water, ice, or gravity transport weathered materials.
- What feature most commonly indicates a rock is sedimentary?
- Layers (strata) and often fossils. Sediments deposit in horizontal layers over time.
- Which process can change any rock type into magma?
- Melting. High temperatures turn any rock into molten material.
- What is compaction in sedimentary rock formation?
- Pressure squeezes sediments together, reducing pore space. Weight of overlying sediments forces out water and air.
- Which igneous texture forms when magma cools slowly underground?
- Coarse-grained (large crystals). Slow cooling allows time for large crystals to grow.
- What is foliation in metamorphic rocks?
- Layered or banded texture from mineral alignment under pressure. Directional pressure creates parallel mineral bands.
- What metamorphic texture forms when minerals align under directed pressure?
- Foliated texture. Pressure forces platy minerals into parallel bands.
- Which process most directly turns sediment into sedimentary rock?
- Lithification (compaction and cementation). This two-part process transforms loose grains into solid rock.
- Which igneous setting cools slowly and usually makes large crystals?
- Intrusive (plutonic) cooling underground. Slow cooling allows time for large crystal growth.
- Identify the process: sand grains are pressed together under increasing weight.
- Compaction. Overlying sediment weight reduces pore space.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Minerals form as temperature drops below melting point.
- Which rock type forms when existing rock is altered by heat and pressure but does not melt?
- Metamorphic rock. Heat and pressure alter rock without melting it.
- Identify the process: dissolved minerals fill spaces and bind sediments together.
- Cementation. Mineral precipitation creates rock from loose grains.
- Identify the rock type formed by compaction and cementation of sediment.
- Sedimentary rock. Lithification transforms loose sediment into solid rock.
- What type of metamorphism occurs mainly from pressure over large regions?
- Regional metamorphism. Tectonic forces create widespread pressure changes.
- Which process turns any rock type into sediment that can form sedimentary rock?
- Weathering and erosion. Breaking down rocks creates particles for sedimentary formation.
- What is deposition in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediments. Occurs when transport energy decreases, allowing settling.
- Which cooling environment usually produces large crystals in igneous rock?
- Slow cooling underground (intrusive). More time allows atoms to arrange into larger crystals.
- What is the definition of a rock in Earth science?
- A naturally occurring solid made of one or more minerals or mineraloids. Rocks are Earth's building blocks, composed of mineral matter.
- Which cooling environment usually produces small crystals in igneous rock?
- Fast cooling at the surface (extrusive). Rapid heat loss prevents large crystal growth.
- Which type of igneous rock forms when magma cools slowly underground?
- Intrusive igneous rock. Slow cooling underground allows time for crystal growth.
- Which two factors most directly cause metamorphism deep in Earth's crust?
- Heat and pressure. These conditions increase with depth in the crust.
- Which cooling rate produces larger mineral crystals in igneous rocks?
- Slow cooling produces larger crystals. More time allows atoms to arrange into bigger crystals.
- What is the main difference between foliated and nonfoliated metamorphic rocks?
- Foliated has aligned mineral layers; nonfoliated lacks layering. Pressure direction determines mineral alignment patterns.
- Which two main factors most commonly drive metamorphism?
- Heat and pressure. These forces alter rock structure without melting.
- Identify the process: water carries sediment downstream and later drops it in a delta.
- Erosion then deposition. Transport followed by settling when energy drops.
- Identify the process: rock is buried, heated, and squeezed, but does not melt.
- Metamorphism. Heat and pressure alter rock structure without melting.
- What process drops transported sediment in a new location?
- Deposition. Sediment settles when transport energy decreases.
- What is cementation during sedimentary rock formation?
- Minerals precipitate and glue sediments together. Dissolved minerals crystallize between grain spaces.
- Which igneous rock texture is most likely from slow cooling and why?
- Coarse-grained; crystals have time to grow. Slow cooling provides time for visible crystal growth.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is magma at Earth's surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What process turns any rock into magma within the rock cycle?
- Melting. High temperatures break chemical bonds in minerals.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These form through cooling, deposition, and heat/pressure respectively.
- Identify the rock-cycle process: sediments are dropped as a river slows entering a lake.
- Deposition. Reduced velocity causes sediments to settle out of transport.
- What is cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
- Minerals precipitate and glue sediment grains together. Dissolved minerals act as natural cement between grains.
- Which type of igneous rock forms when lava cools quickly at Earth's surface?
- Extrusive igneous rock. Rapid surface cooling prevents large crystal formation.
- What is the rock cycle?
- A set of processes that form and transform rocks over time. Continuous transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Which process changes any rock into magma, allowing new igneous rock to form?
- Melting. Complete melting resets the rock cycle.
- What two processes turn loose sediment into sedimentary rock?
- Compaction and cementation (lithification). Together these processes solidify loose sediments.
- What is deposition in the sedimentary rock pathway?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediments in a new location. Sediments accumulate when transport energy decreases.
- What does the term metamorphism mean for a rock?
- Minerals and texture change due to heat, pressure, and fluids. Rock transforms while remaining solid.
- What is metamorphism?
- Change of rock by heat, pressure, and fluids without melting. Rock transforms while staying solid throughout process.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Minerals form as molten rock loses heat and solidifies.
- What does melting do to preexisting rock in the rock cycle?
- It produces magma, which can later form igneous rock. Melting resets the rock cycle by creating new molten material.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These categories classify rocks by how they formed.
- What is cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
- Minerals crystallize and glue sediments together. Dissolved minerals precipitate in pore spaces.
- Identify the process that can change any rock into magma.
- Melting. High temperatures break down rock into liquid magma.
- Which sequence correctly forms sedimentary rock from exposed bedrock?
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → lithification. Complete pathway from solid rock to new sedimentary rock.
- What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
- Intrusive cools underground; extrusive cools at the surface. Location of cooling determines crystal size and texture.
- Which sedimentary rock type forms from compacted and cemented fragments?
- Clastic sedimentary rock. Made from rock fragments like sand or pebbles.
- Which igneous rock texture forms from slow cooling underground?
- Coarse-grained (large crystals). Slow cooling allows time for large crystals to grow.
- What is compaction in sedimentary rock formation?
- Pressure squeezes sediments together, reducing pore space. Weight of overlying sediments forces out water and air.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediments. Occurs when transport energy decreases.
- Which metamorphism occurs mainly from heat near an intrusion: contact or regional?
- Contact metamorphism. Occurs in small areas where magma heats surrounding rock.
- Which change is most likely at a plate collision zone: lithification, regional metamorphism, or rapid cooling?
- Regional metamorphism. Plate collisions generate intense pressure and heat.
- Which process most directly turns exposed rock into sediment?
- Weathering. Breaking down rock is the first step to sediment formation.
- What is erosion in the context of the rock cycle?
- Transport of weathered sediments by wind, water, ice, or gravity. Moving agents carry weathered material away from source.
- Which texture is most likely in intrusive igneous rock, and why?
- Coarse-grained texture due to slow cooling and large crystals. More time to cool means atoms can arrange into larger crystals.
- What does igneous rock crystal size indicate about cooling rate?
- Large crystals = slow cooling; small crystals = fast cooling. More time to cool allows larger crystals to develop.
- What two processes break rock into sediments without moving them?
- Weathering (mechanical and chemical). Both break rock in place without transporting fragments.
- What is metamorphism?
- Rock changes due to heat, pressure, and fluids without melting. Solid-state transformation alters minerals and texture.
- What process turns loose sediment into sedimentary rock?
- Lithification (compaction and cementation). Burial pressure and mineral cements bind loose grains.
- Which type of metamorphic texture lacks mineral layers or banding?
- Nonfoliated texture. Forms when parent rock lacks platy minerals to align.
- Which conditions typically cause metamorphism: heat, pressure, fluids, or all three?
- All three: heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids. Each factor contributes to mineral reorganization.
- What is uplift, and why does it matter in the rock cycle?
- Raising rock to the surface, exposing it to weathering and erosion. Tectonic forces bring deep rocks to Earth's surface.
- What type of sedimentary rock forms when minerals precipitate from water?
- Chemical sedimentary rock. Forms when dissolved ions crystallize from solution.
- What two processes lithify sediment into sedimentary rock?
- Compaction and cementation. These processes turn loose sediment into solid rock.
- What process forms sedimentary rock from loose sediments?
- Lithification: compaction and cementation of sediments. These two processes transform loose sediments into solid rock.
- What process forms sedimentary rock by turning loose sediment into solid rock?
- Lithification (compaction and cementation). Sediments become rock through pressure and mineral binding.
- What two main factors transform existing rock into metamorphic rock?
- Heat and pressure (often with fluids). These conditions alter mineral structure in solid state.
- Which type of metamorphism occurs mainly from heat near magma?
- Contact metamorphism. Localized heating from nearby magma body transforms surrounding rock.
- Which igneous rock texture forms from rapid cooling at the surface?
- Fine-grained (small crystals) or glassy. Rapid cooling prevents large crystal growth.
- What process forms igneous rock from molten material?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Minerals form as molten rock loses heat and solidifies.
- Which sedimentary rock type forms from the remains of living organisms?
- Organic (biochemical) sedimentary rock. Shells, coral, or plant matter accumulate and compress.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediment. Sediment accumulates when transport energy decreases.
- Which igneous setting cools quickly and usually makes small crystals or glass?
- Extrusive (volcanic) cooling at Earth's surface. Rapid cooling prevents large crystal formation.
- Identify the process that exposes buried rocks at the surface by raising and removing overlying material.
- Uplift and erosion. Tectonic forces raise rocks while erosion strips away cover.
- Which sequence correctly describes sedimentary rock formation from exposed bedrock?
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → compaction and cementation. Each step transforms material toward sedimentary rock.
- What process changes existing rock into metamorphic rock?
- Metamorphism by heat and pressure (often with fluids). Rock minerals recrystallize in solid state.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These categories are based on how the rocks formed.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is magma at Earth's surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediment. Occurs when transport energy decreases.
- What is erosion in the rock cycle?
- Transport of weathered material by water, wind, ice, or gravity. Moving agents carry weathered particles to new locations.
- Which type of metamorphism mainly occurs near magma intrusions?
- Contact metamorphism. Heat from magma alters surrounding rock locally.
- Identify the process: heat and pressure change a rock without melting it.
- Metamorphism. Solid-state transformation creates metamorphic rocks.
- What type of sedimentary rock forms from broken rock fragments?
- Clastic sedimentary rock. Made of weathered rock pieces like sand or gravel.
- What process forms igneous rock when molten rock cools and solidifies?
- Crystallization (solidification of magma or lava). Minerals form as melt cools below their melting points.
- Which type of igneous rock forms from slow cooling underground?
- Intrusive (plutonic) igneous rock. Slow cooling underground allows time for large crystal growth.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is molten rock at the surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical breakdown maintains original mineral composition.
- Which process changes rock mainly by breaking it into pieces?
- Mechanical (physical) weathering. Forces like ice wedging physically fracture rock.
- Which sequence correctly forms a clastic sedimentary rock from exposed bedrock?
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → lithification. Complete pathway from solid rock to new sedimentary rock.
- Identify the rock type formed by cooling lava at Earth's surface.
- Extrusive igneous rock. Lava cools rapidly at surface forming fine-grained rock.
- Which process most directly changes sediments into rock: erosion, deposition, or lithification?
- Lithification. Only lithification actually creates rock from sediments.
- What process turns any preexisting rock into metamorphic rock?
- Metamorphism due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids. Changes rock texture and minerals without melting.
- What process forms igneous rock?
- Cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Molten rock solidifies to form new igneous rock.
- What texture is most likely when lava cools quickly at the surface?
- Fine-grained texture with small crystals. Rapid cooling creates microscopic crystals.
- What two steps turn loose sediment into sedimentary rock?
- Compaction and cementation. Pressure squeezes grains; minerals glue them together.
- Identify the rock type formed when existing rock is changed by heat and pressure without melting.
- Metamorphic rock. Solid-state transformation preserves some original features.
- Which conditions most directly cause metamorphic rock to form?
- Increased heat and pressure, often with chemically active fluids. These conditions reorganize minerals without melting.
- What feature most strongly indicates a rock is sedimentary?
- Distinct layers (strata) or visible cemented grains. Forms from deposited sediments in horizontal layers.
- What texture is most likely in extrusive igneous rock, and why?
- Fine-grained or glassy texture due to rapid cooling. Quick cooling prevents atoms from forming large crystals.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These categories are based on how rocks form.
- What metamorphic texture forms when minerals do not align in layers?
- Nonfoliated texture. Equal pressure or lack of platy minerals prevents layering.
- What two steps turn loose sediments into sedimentary rock?
- Compaction and cementation (lithification). Together these processes convert sediments to solid rock.
- Which process changes any rock type into magma?
- Melting. Complete melting resets rock to molten starting point.
- What is compaction during sedimentary rock formation?
- Pressure squeezes sediments together, reducing pore space. Weight of overlying sediments forces out water and air.
- What is regional metamorphism?
- Metamorphism over large areas from high pressure and heat. Tectonic forces create widespread foliated rocks.
- Which process can transform sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?
- Heat and pressure (metamorphism). Deep burial or tectonic forces provide needed conditions.
- What is deposition in sedimentary rock formation?
- The settling and accumulation of sediments in a new location. Transported materials come to rest and build up layers.
- Which igneous texture forms when lava cools quickly at the surface?
- Fine-grained (small crystals). Rapid cooling prevents large crystal growth.
- Which process directly forms sediment from exposed rock: weathering, crystallization, or metamorphism?
- Weathering. Only weathering breaks solid rock into sediment particles.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These categories classify rocks by how they formed.
- Which metamorphism affects large areas during mountain building: contact or regional?
- Regional metamorphism. Results from tectonic forces over vast areas.
- Which process can transform any rock into igneous rock?
- Melting followed by cooling and crystallization. Complete melting resets rock composition to igneous origin.
- What is the difference between regional metamorphism and contact metamorphism?
- Regional: large areas, pressure and heat; contact: heat near magma. Regional affects wide areas; contact is localized near magma.
- Identify the rock-type result: sediment is compacted and cemented over time.
- Sedimentary rock. Lithification transforms loose sediment into solid rock.
- Which igneous rock type forms from slow cooling underground?
- Intrusive (plutonic) igneous rock. Slow underground cooling allows large crystal formation.
- What is compaction in sedimentary rock formation?
- Pressure squeezes sediments together, reducing pore space. Weight of overlying sediments forces grains closer together.
- What process moves weathered sediments from one place to another?
- Erosion. Transport agents include water, wind, ice, and gravity.
- What process forms metamorphic rock from preexisting rock?
- Metamorphism by heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids. Changes rock's minerals and texture without melting.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical breakdown maintains the same minerals.
- Which process changes rock by dissolving minerals and forming new substances?
- Chemical weathering. Water and acids react with minerals to create new compounds.
- What is metamorphism?
- Rock change caused by heat, pressure, and/or fluids without melting. Solid-state transformation alters mineral structure.
- Which sedimentary rock type forms when minerals precipitate from water?
- Chemical sedimentary rock. Dissolved minerals crystallize out of solution.
- Which igneous rock type forms from slow cooling underground?
- Intrusive igneous rock. Slow cooling allows large crystals to grow.
- Which type of metamorphism forms mainly from pressure and heat over large areas?
- Regional metamorphism. Tectonic forces create widespread pressure and heat conditions.
- What is weathering in the rock cycle?
- Breakdown of rock into smaller pieces or new substances. First step in rock cycle that creates sediments.
- Which process can change any exposed rock into sediment?
- Weathering and erosion. Surface processes break down all rock types.
- Which condition most directly causes foliation in metamorphic rocks?
- Directed pressure (differential stress). Unequal pressure forces minerals to align perpendicular to stress.
- Which type of igneous rock forms from rapid cooling at the surface?
- Extrusive (volcanic) igneous rock. Rapid surface cooling prevents large crystal formation.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- Dropping and settling of sediments in a new location. Occurs when transporting agents lose energy.
- Which igneous rock type forms from rapid cooling at or near the surface?
- Extrusive igneous rock. Fast cooling produces fine-grained or glassy textures.
- What are the three main rock types in the rock cycle?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These categories classify rocks by their formation process.
- Which igneous rock type forms from rapid cooling at Earth's surface?
- Extrusive (volcanic) igneous rock. Quick surface cooling creates fine-grained or glassy textures.
- What process moves weathered sediments from one place to another?
- Erosion. Transport by water, wind, ice, or gravity moves sediments.
- Which sequence correctly forms sedimentary rock from solid rock: weathering → erosion → deposition → ?
- Lithification. Final step that cements sediment into rock.
- Which sequence correctly forms sedimentary rock from exposed bedrock?
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → compaction and cementation. This sequence shows the complete sedimentary rock formation process.
- What is the defining feature that commonly indicates a sedimentary rock?
- Distinct layers (strata), often with fossils. Layers form from sequential deposition over time.
- What is deposition in the rock cycle?
- Dropping and settling of transported sediments. Occurs when transport energy decreases.
- What does it mean when a metamorphic rock is foliated?
- Minerals are aligned in layers or bands due to directed pressure. Pressure forces minerals to reorient perpendicular to stress.
- What is lithification?
- The process that turns sediments into sedimentary rock. Combines compaction and cementation to form solid rock.
- What is deposition in the context of sediment formation?
- Dropping and settling of sediment when transport energy decreases. Occurs when water slows or wind stops blowing.
- What is deposition in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
- Sediments are dropped and settle in a new location. Occurs when transport energy decreases, allowing settling.
- What is cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
- Minerals precipitate and glue sediments together. Dissolved minerals act as natural cement between grains.
- Which type of igneous rock forms from fast cooling at the surface?
- Extrusive (volcanic) igneous rock. Rapid surface cooling prevents large crystal formation.
- Which type of metamorphic texture shows mineral layers or banding?
- Foliated texture. Pressure aligns platy minerals into parallel bands.
- Which process most directly changes sediment into sedimentary rock: weathering, lithification, or melting?
- Lithification. Only lithification converts sediment to solid rock.
- Which type of igneous rock forms from slow cooling underground?
- Intrusive (plutonic) igneous rock. Slow underground cooling allows large crystal growth.
- What is the key difference between metamorphism and melting?
- Metamorphism changes rock without melting it. Minerals reorganize while staying solid throughout.
- What is contact metamorphism?
- Metamorphism caused mainly by heat near an igneous intrusion. Localized heating creates non-foliated metamorphic rock.
- Identify the process that turns any rock type into magma.
- Melting. High temperature causes solid rock to become liquid.
- What is weathering in the context of the rock cycle?
- Breaking down rock into smaller pieces or new substances. Physical or chemical processes decompose solid rock.
- What igneous texture forms when gas bubbles are trapped during cooling?
- Vesicular texture. Volcanic gases create holes as lava solidifies.
- What process breaks rock into smaller pieces without changing its composition?
- Weathering. Physical breakdown maintains the same minerals.
- Which rock type can form directly from any other rock type through heat and pressure?
- Metamorphic rock. Heat and pressure can transform igneous or sedimentary rocks.
- Which two main agents drive metamorphism in Earth's crust?
- Heat and pressure. These conditions alter mineral structure without melting.
- Identify the rock type formed when layers of sand are compacted and cemented.
- Sedimentary rock. Sand grains undergo lithification to become sandstone.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is at Earth's surface. Location determines the name for molten rock material.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is underground; lava is magma at Earth's surface. Location determines the name: below ground vs. above ground.
- Identify the correct sequence for forming sedimentary rock from bedrock.
- Weathering → erosion → deposition → compaction and cementation. Shows complete pathway from solid rock to sedimentary rock.
- Identify the rock type formed by compaction and cementation: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
- Sedimentary. Lithification creates sedimentary rocks from sediments.
- Identify the rock type formed when limestone is changed by heat and pressure.
- Metamorphic rock. Limestone transforms into marble under these conditions.