Rock Cycle - 7th Grade Vocabulary

Study Notes

Rock Cycle Terminology

Extrusive Igneous: Formed when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface and cools quickly, resulting in fine-grained rocks, such as basalt and pumice.
Intrusive Igneous: Created when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, leading to coarse-grained rocks like granite and diorite.
Metamorphic: Rocks that have been transformed from their original form due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids, examples include schist and gneiss.
Sedimentary: Formed from the accumulation and compression of mineral and organic particles, leading to layered structures; common types include sandstone, limestone, and shale.
Volcanic Eruption: Occurs when there is an explosive release of magma, gases, and ash from a volcano, significantly influencing the landscape and the formation of igneous rocks.
Uplifting: The geological process that raises rock layers from deeper depths to the surface, contributing to the rock cycle and the exposure of previously buried rocks.
Heat and Pressure: The key conditions that lead to the metamorphosis of rocks, involving significant temperature increases and intense pressure that alter mineral structures.
Weathering and Erosion: Processes that break down rocks into smaller particles and transport them elsewhere, which contributes to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Where do Rocks come from?: Rocks form through natural processes involving cooling, compression, or transformation over time under varying conditions of heat and pressure.
Sediment: Comprises small rock particles and organic materials that can accumulate, get buried over time, and become compacted and cemented into new sedimentary rock.

Description

Test your understanding of key terms related to the rock cycle in this 7th-grade vocabulary quiz. Each term is essential for grasping the processes that shape our planet's geology. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge in Earth science.