Classifying Rocks Flashcards

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?

Form directly from cooling of magma or lava. Signup and view all the answers

What are sedimentary rocks?

Formed when particles of broken rock and organic materials are pressed and cemented together. Signup and view all the answers

What is sediment?

Rock fragments that have been transported to a different location. Signup and view all the answers

What is the grain pattern in rocks?

Some patterns of grains have the grains lying in flat layers or in swirling patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What does grain shape refer to?

Rocks that have rounded or jagged grains. Signup and view all the answers

What is grain size?

Fine (small grain) or coarse (large grain). Signup and view all the answers

Who are geologists?

Scientists who study Earth and the processes that have shaped Earth over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is texture in the context of rocks?

Relates to how things feel or look as if they would feel. Signup and view all the answers

What is mineral composition?

Minerals that make up a rock, which gives rocks its color. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin or rock formation?

How rocks have formed. Signup and view all the answers

What are foliated rocks?

Rock that contains parallel layers of flat and elongated minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What are non-foliated rocks?

Rocks that do not have a striped appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What are intrusive igneous rocks?

Rock formed from the cooling of magma beneath Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What are extrusive igneous rocks?

Rock that forms from the cooling of lava at Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is deposition in geological terms?

Process in which sediment is laid down in new locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is compaction?

The process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is cementation?

The process in which dissolved minerals crystallize and glue particles of sediment together. Signup and view all the answers

What is weathering?

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is erosion?

Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away. Signup and view all the answers

What is organic sedimentary rock?

Sedimentary rock that forms from the remains of plants or animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is chemical sedimentary rock?

Rock composed of crystals of just one mineral that form by evaporation or precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is clastic sedimentary rock?

A sedimentary rock composed of fragments of preexisting rock. Signup and view all the answers

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.