Questions and Answers
What are coarse grained rocks?
Large and easy to see grains.
What defines fine grained rocks?
Rocks have grains so small they can only be seen with a microscope.
What are metamorphic rocks?
Made when heat, pressure, or fluids change one type of rock into another type of rock.
How are igneous rocks formed?
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What are sedimentary rocks?
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What is sediment?
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What is the grain pattern in rocks?
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What does grain shape refer to?
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What is grain size?
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Who are geologists?
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What is texture in the context of rocks?
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What is mineral composition?
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What is the origin or rock formation?
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What are foliated rocks?
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What are non-foliated rocks?
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What are intrusive igneous rocks?
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What are extrusive igneous rocks?
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What is deposition in geological terms?
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What is compaction?
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What is cementation?
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What is weathering?
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What is erosion?
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What is organic sedimentary rock?
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What is chemical sedimentary rock?
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What is clastic sedimentary rock?
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Study Notes
Rock Classification
- Coarse Grained Rocks: Characterized by large, visible grains that can be easily seen.
- Fine Grained Rocks: Composed of grains that are so small they are only visible through a microscope.
Types of Rocks
- Metamorphic Rocks: Formed through the alteration of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, or the presence of fluids.
- Igneous Rocks: Created from the cooling and solidification of magma (beneath the surface) or lava (on the surface). Common examples include granite (from magma) and obsidian (from lava).
- Sedimentary Rocks: Developed from the compaction and cementation of particles, including broken rock and organic materials. Examples include sandstone, limestone, and gypsum.
Sediments and Their Processes
- Sediment: Refers to fragments of rock that are transported to new locations.
- Deposition: The process of laying down sediment in new areas.
- Compaction: Involves the pressing together of sediments under their own weight.
- Cementation: Occurs when dissolved minerals crystallize to bond sediment particles, forming a rock.
Rock Characteristics
- Grain Pattern: Refers to arrangements of grains that may lie flat, swirl, or display color variations (as seen in gneiss).
- Grain Shape: Can be rounded or jagged based on the rock's formation.
- Grain Size: Categorized as fine (small grains) or coarse (large grains).
- Texture: Describes both the tactile feel and visual appearance of a rock.
- Mineral Composition/Color: The minerals present in a rock determine its makeup and color.
Rock Formation Insights
- Origin/Rock Formation: Investigates the methods through which different rock types develop.
- Foliated Rocks: Exhibit a layered appearance due to aligned minerals.
- Non-Foliated Rocks: Lack distinct layering and stripes; undergo processes of continuous transformation.
Igneous Rock Types
- Intrusive Igneous Rocks: Formed from magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.
- Extrusive Igneous Rocks: Produced from lava that cools quickly upon reaching the Earth’s surface.
Weathering and Erosion
- Weathering: The process responsible for breaking down rocks and materials at the Earth's surface.
- Erosion: Involves the transportation of weathered materials (rock, sand, soil) by natural forces such as wind or water.
Sedimentary Rock Categories
- Organic Sedimentary Rock: Forms from the remains of plants and animals.
- Chemical Sedimentary Rock: Composed of crystals from a single mineral formed by evaporation or precipitation of minerals from solutions.
- Clastic Sedimentary Rock: Made up of fragments derived from other preexisting rocks.
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Description
Test your knowledge on different types of rocks with these flashcards. Learn about coarse and fine-grained rocks, as well as metamorphic and igneous rocks. Perfect for geology students looking to reinforce their understanding of rock classification.