Geology: Rock Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are rocks?

A natural solid made of one or more minerals.

How are rocks classified?

Rocks are classified by how they are formed.

What is the first type of rocks?

Igneous rocks.

How do igneous rocks form?

When magma or lava cools and hardens. Signup and view all the answers

Where can igneous rocks form?

Igneous rocks can form deep in or on the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

When do large mineral crystals form?

When magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

When do small crystals form?

When lava at Earth's surface cools quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second type of rock?

Sedimentary rock. Signup and view all the answers

How is sedimentary rock formed?

From sediments that are cemented together by pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sediments from weathered rocks?

They collect in loose layers. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when more layers are deposited on many layers?

It presses on layers underneath. Signup and view all the answers

What happens over time to sediments at the bottom?

They become cemented together. Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock are sandstone, conglomerate, and shale?

Sedimentary rocks. Signup and view all the answers

In what type of rocks can fossils be found?

Sedimentary rocks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when minerals dissolve in water?

A chemical process takes place with sedimentary rocks. Signup and view all the answers

What are metamorphic rocks?

Rocks that form when earth processes change texture and the mineral content. Signup and view all the answers

How can metamorphic rocks form?

Through high pressure, high temperature, a combination of one and two, and when super hot fluids come into contact with rock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rock cycle?

The continuous process of rock changing from one type to another. Signup and view all the answers

What does melting and cooling cause?

Igneous rock. Signup and view all the answers

What do weathering, erosion, and cementation cause?

Sedimentary rocks. Signup and view all the answers

What does heat and pressure cause?

Metamorphic rocks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rock Classification Overview

Rocks are natural, solid aggregates consisting of one or more minerals.
Classification is primarily based on the formation process of the rocks.

Igneous Rocks

Form when magma or lava cools and hardens.
Can develop deep within Earth or on its surface.
Large mineral crystals occur when magma cools slowly underground (examples: gabbro, granite).
Small crystals form when lava cools rapidly at the Earth’s surface (examples: rhyolite, basalt).

Sedimentary Rocks

Result from the cementation of sediments under pressure.
Sediments are formed from weathered rocks that collect in loose layers.
Over time, more layers stack and compress those below them.
Bottom sediments eventually become cemented together, forming rock.
Common types include sandstone, conglomerate, and shale.
Fossils are commonly found within sedimentary rocks.

Metamorphic Rocks

Created through changes in texture and mineral content due to Earth processes.
Form under conditions of high pressure, high temperature, or through hot fluid interactions.

Rock Cycle

Describes the continuous transformation of rocks from one type to another through various geological processes.
Melting and cooling processes lead to igneous rocks.
Weathering, erosion, and cementation are responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Heat and pressure contribute to the creation of metamorphic rocks.

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Description

Test your knowledge on how rocks are classified with these flashcards. Learn about the different types of rocks, including igneous rocks, and the processes involved in their formation. Ideal for students studying geology or preparing for exams.