Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following conditions would most likely result in the formation of a coarse-grained igneous rock?
Which of the following conditions would most likely result in the formation of a coarse-grained igneous rock?
- Exposure to high pressure and temperature during metamorphism.
- Slow cooling of magma deep within Earth's crust. (correct)
- Compaction and cementation of sediments.
- Rapid cooling of magma at Earth's surface.
What is the primary difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?
What is the primary difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?
- Mechanical weathering changes the chemical composition of rocks, while chemical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces.
- Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the rock's mineral composition. (correct)
- Mechanical weathering involves the transport of sediments, while chemical weathering does not.
- Mechanical weathering only occurs in cold climates, while chemical weathering only occurs in warm climates.
Which process directly transforms sediments into sedimentary rock?
Which process directly transforms sediments into sedimentary rock?
- Metamorphism
- Erosion
- Lithification (correct)
- Melting
What conditions are necessary for metamorphic rocks to form?
What conditions are necessary for metamorphic rocks to form?
How does melting contribute to the rock cycle?
How does melting contribute to the rock cycle?
What is the role of erosion in the rock cycle?
What is the role of erosion in the rock cycle?
A rock sample is found to have large, visible crystals. Which of the following conclusions is most reasonable?
A rock sample is found to have large, visible crystals. Which of the following conclusions is most reasonable?
Which of the following processes is most responsible for the creation of sedimentary rocks from pre-existing rocks?
Which of the following processes is most responsible for the creation of sedimentary rocks from pre-existing rocks?
Flashcards
Rock Cycle
Rock Cycle
Continuous process where rocks change between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.
Igneous Rock Formation
Igneous Rock Formation
Molten rock solidifies, either underground (coarse-grained) or at the surface (fine-grained).
Weathering
Weathering
Breakdown of rocks by wind, water, ice, and temperature (physical or chemical).
Erosion
Erosion
Movement of weathered rock particles by water, wind, or ice.
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Deposition
Deposition
Settling of sediments out of water or wind.
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Lithification
Lithification
Loose sediments transform into sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation.
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Metamorphism
Metamorphism
Rocks change due to intense heat and pressure without melting, creating new textures/minerals.
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Melting (Rock Cycle)
Melting (Rock Cycle)
Solid rock turns into liquid magma under extreme temperatures, restarting the rock cycle.
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- The rock cycle describes how the three major rock types—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—transform from one type to another over time.
Igneous Rock Formation
- Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies.
- Slow cooling underground results in coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock due to crystal growth.
- Rapid cooling at the surface produces fine-grained extrusive igneous rock.
Weathering and Erosion
- Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces by natural forces, including wind, water, ice, and temperature changes.
- Weathering can be physical or chemical, altering the rock's minerals.
- Erosion is the process where agents like water, wind, or ice move weathered rock particles.
- Weathering and erosion together wear down existing rocks and spread sediments over broad areas.
Sediment Deposition and Lithification
- Deposition occurs when sediments settle out of the transporting medium (wind or water) as its energy decreases.
- Lithification involves the compaction and cementation of sediment layers over time.
- During lithification, minerals bind sediment particles, transforming loose sediments into sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphism
- Metamorphism occurs when sedimentary or igneous rocks undergo intense heat and pressure, often deep within the Earth
- The original rock transforms into metamorphic rock, gaining new textures and minerals.
Melting
- Under extreme temperatures, metamorphic or igneous rocks can melt, usually near magma chambers, or deep within the Earth.
- Melting turns solid rock into liquid magma, starting the cycle again when the magma cools and crystallizes into new igneous rock.
The Continuous Cycle
- The rock cycle processes aren't linear, but part of an ongoing cycle.
- Igneous rock can weather and erode into sediment, becoming sedimentary rock.
- Sedimentary rock can be buried and metamorphosed into metamorphic rock.
- Metamorphic rock can melt into magma given enough heat, which then cools into new igneous rock.
- This demonstrates Earth's surface's dynamic and ever-changing nature.
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