Earth's Layers
What is the uppermost layer of the Earth called?
Crust
What are rocks?
Natural masses of mineral matter that make up the Earth's crust.
What are minerals?
Naturally occurring substances with specific physical and chemical properties.
What is the continuous process of transformation of rocks called?
Rock cycle
What is an earthquake?
A sudden shaking or trembling of the Earth's surface.
Name the three major layers of the Earth.
Crust, Mantle and Core
Name the three major types of rocks.
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Give one example of a mineral.
Iron, mica, quartz, etc.
What type of rock is formed when molten magma cools and solidifies?
Igneous rock
What is a volcano?
An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten material, gases and ash erupt.
Which layer lies between the crust and the core?
Mantle
Which rocks are also called primary rocks?
Igneous rocks
Where are minerals found?
In rocks and mineral deposits in the Earth's crust.
What happens to rocks under great heat and pressure?
They may change into metamorphic rocks.
What is magma?
Molten rock material found beneath the Earth's surface.
Which is the deepest and hottest layer of the Earth?
Core
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
By the deposition, compaction and cementation of sediments.
Name two minerals commonly used in everyday life.
Iron and mica.
How can igneous rocks become sedimentary rocks?
They can be weathered into sediments, which are deposited, compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks.
What is lava?
Magma that reaches the Earth's surface through a volcanic opening.
Why is the Earth's core extremely hot?
Due to the immense pressure and high temperature deep inside the Earth, along with heat retained from Earth's formation and radioactive decay.
Why are metamorphic rocks called so?
Because existing rocks are changed into new rocks due to heat and pressure.
Why are minerals important to humans?
They provide raw materials for industries, construction, transportation, energy production and many everyday products.
Explain why the rock cycle is called a continuous process.
Because rocks are continuously formed, broken down and transformed from one type into another through processes such as melting, cooling, weathering, deposition, heat and pressure.
How do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes occur when the Earth's tectonic plates move suddenly, causing vibrations or shock waves to travel through the Earth's crust.