Sediment Processes
What is sediment?
Loose rock fragments or mineral grains.
What are intrusive rocks?
Rocks that form deep beneath Earth's surface
What causes metamorphic rocks to form?
Heat and pressure.
How do igneous rocks form?
When magma or lava cools and solidifies
Name a type of depositional environment
Rivers, deltas, beaches, deserts, or marine settings
Breakdown of rocks at Earth's surface
What is the cooling location of extrusive rocks?
At Earth's surface during volcanic eruptions.
Define foliated rocks
Rocks that show layered or banded textures formed under direct pressure.
What is the process of compaction and cementation?
Sediments are pressed together and cemented to form sediment.
What is the law of superposition?
The oldest layers are at the bottom, and youngest layers are at the top
What is erosion?
Movement of sediment by wind, water, ice, or gravity
Describe the texture of basalt?
Fine-grained texture with small or invisible crystals
What is the difference between low-grade and high-grade metamorphism?
Low-grade involves minimal heat/pressure, while high-grade involves extreme conditions.
Describe how sediments are formed.
Rocks are pushed upward and exposed to weathering again
Describe how energy levels affect sediment movement.
High energy allows large grains to move; low energy allows small grains to settle
Explain deposition.
The process of sediment settling or being laid down
What is the main difference between intrusive and extrusive rocks?
Cooling speed and location (intrusive = slow, underground; extrusive = fast, above ground).
Marble or quartzite
What is the role of uplift in rock cycle?
Rocks are pushed upward and exposed to weathering again.
What types of environments are found in marine settings?
Coastal areas, ocean floors, and estuarties
What does sorting refer to?
Separation of sediments by size
Give an example of a fine-grained rock
Obsidian or Pumice
What factors affect rock transformation?
Depth, temperature, tectonic activity, and mountain formation zones.
Explain the process of melting in the rock cycle?
Rocks melt to form magma, which can then cool to form igneous rocks.
Water current, wind, and gravity.