Geology: Rock Cycle and Types

Questions and Answers

In the simple rock-cycle diagram, which process along path C would change the schist (stage C) directly into a pile?

uplift, weathering, and erosion of schist

Which rock process is necessary for the formation of igneous?

solidification

Rocks can be classified as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic based primarily upon differences in their?

origin

Rocks are classified as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based primarily on their?

method of formation Signup and view all the answers

Which process could lead directly to the formation of pumice rock?

explosive eruption of lava from a volcano Signup and view all the answers

Most of the rocks shown in the drawings of six sedimentary rocks labeled A through F were formed by?

compaction and cementation Signup and view all the answers

In which set are the rock drawings labeled with their correct rock types?

diagram D Signup and view all the answers

Which process produced rock layer B in the block diagram showing sedimentary layers?

compaction and cementation Signup and view all the answers

Which table correctly classifies each rock type from the geological processes diagram?

Rock 1: sedimentary, 2: igneous, 3: metamorphic Signup and view all the answers

Which relative concentration of elements is found in a mafic rock?

a high concentration of iron and a low concentration of aluminum Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the formation of an intrusive igneous rock?

magma solidifies slowly, resulting in a coarse-grained texture Signup and view all the answers

Which process would form the type of rock that is represented by circle B in the classification diagram?

melting and solidification Signup and view all the answers

If the rock in circle C formed from limestone, it would be called?

marble Signup and view all the answers

The classification of rocks into the sedimentary or non-sedimentary groups is based primarily on the rocks'?

origin Signup and view all the answers

Which rocks could be represented by circles X, Y, and Z in the diagram?

sandstone, conglomerate, and siltstone Signup and view all the answers

Which extrusive igneous rock is composed of approximately 40% quartz, 20% potassium feldspar, 20% plagioclase feldspar, 10% biotite mica, and 10% hornblende?

rhyolite Signup and view all the answers

Which crystal most likely formed from molten material that cooled and solidified most rapidly?

crystals in D diagram Signup and view all the answers

Which two rocks have the most similar mineral composition?

granite and phyllite Signup and view all the answers

Which graph best represents the textures of granite, pegmatite, and rhyolite?

Pegmatite having the most coarse crystals, granite with smaller and rhyolite with the smallest Signup and view all the answers

At which location is metamorphic rock most likely to be found in the geologic cross section?

B Signup and view all the answers

This rock would be classified as metamorphic because it shows?

distorted banding Signup and view all the answers

Which rock sample is most likely a foliated metamorphic rock?

sample A, because of the bands Signup and view all the answers

How do the metamorphic rocks schist and quartzite differ?

schist is foliated and quartzite is not Signup and view all the answers

The rock was probably formed by?

heat and pressure that changed a preexisting rock Signup and view all the answers

Which rock is foliated, shows mineral alignment but not banding, and contains medium sized grains of quartz and pyroxene?

schist Signup and view all the answers

Which rock type is most likely to be monomineralic?

rock salt Signup and view all the answers

Which sedimentary rocks are clastic and consist of particles that have diameters smaller than 0.006 centimeters?

siltstone and shale Signup and view all the answers

Which table shows the rocks correctly classified by texture?

Clastic: A, B, C, D; Bioclastic: E; Crystalline: F Signup and view all the answers

Which two rocks are composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and clay minerals?

sandstone and shale Signup and view all the answers

Which diagram best shows the grain size of some common sedimentary rocks?

shale would be smaller, siltstone in the middle, and sandstone as the largest Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rock Cycle and Processes

Uplift, weathering, and erosion directly change schist into sediments.
Solidification is essential for igneous rock formation.
The rock types—sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic—are classified primarily by origin and methods of formation.
Explosive volcanic eruptions can form pumice rock.

Sedimentary Rocks

Most sedimentary rocks are formed through compaction and cementation.
Rock layer B is produced through compaction and cementation processes.
Tables indicating rock types classify them as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.

Rock Characteristics

Mafic rocks have high iron and low aluminum concentrations.
Intrusive igneous rocks are identified by magma that solidifies slowly, leading to coarse-grained textures.
Melting and solidification processes contribute to certain rock types, such as those represented by circle B in classification diagrams.

Metamorphic Rocks

If limestone transforms, it becomes marble.
Classification into sedimentary or non-sedimentary groups is based on origin.
Foliated metamorphic rocks show mineral alignment and bands, while quartzite lacks foliation.
Distorted banding signifies a rock's metamorphic classification.
Rocks may exhibit deformed structure due to heat and pressure acting on them.

Rock Types and Composition

Granite and phyllite have similar mineral compositions.
Rhyolite is characterized by specified proportions of minerals such as quartz and feldspar.
Sample A shows distinctive bands, indicating it is a foliated metamorphic rock.
Rock salt is an example of a monomineralic rock.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Siltstone and shale are clastic sedimentary rocks consisting of particles smaller than 0.006 cm.
Classification based on texture categorizes rocks into clastic, bioclastic, and crystalline.
Sandstone and shale are primarily made up of quartz, feldspar, and clay minerals.

Grain Size in Sedimentary Rocks

The grain size hierarchy among common sedimentary rocks places shale as the smallest, siltstone in the middle, and sandstone as the largest.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the rock cycle, including the processes of uplift, weathering, and erosion that affect rock formation. Explore the classification of rocks into sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic types, and discover how characteristics like mineral composition influence their formation. This quiz covers essential concepts in geology related to rock processes and types.