Rock Cycle
What is the rock cycle?
The rock cycle is the continuous process through which rocks change from one type to another over time, driven by forces like heat, pressure, and weathering.
What is erosion
Erosion is the process of moving sediments from one place to another through agents like wind, water, or ice.
Which type of rock often contains fossils?
Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils, as the conditions during their formation can trap and preserve organisms.
How is the hardness of a mineral determined?
The hardness of a mineral is determined using the Mohs scale of hardness, where a mineral is scratched by a known standard (like a fingernail or a steel nail).
How do sedimentary rocks form?
Sedimentary rocks form from the compaction and cementation of sediments over time.
Which agent of erosion is most responsible for shaping Earth’s surface?
Water is the most significant agent of erosion.
What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
Intrusive igneous rocks form below the Earth’s surface and cool slowly, resulting in larger crystals. Extrusive igneous rocks form on the surface and cool quickly, resulting in smaller crystals.
What property of minerals describes how they reflect light?
luster
What processes can transform igneous rock into sedimentary rock?
Erosion and deposition break down igneous rock into smaller particles, which are compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rock.
How does wind cause erosion?
Wind erodes surfaces by carrying small particles like sand and dust, which wear down rocks and landscapes.
How do sedimentary rocks form?
Bonus 100 pts. if you can give the 2nd name for this
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compaction and cementation of sediments over time.
What is a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.
How do metamorphic rocks form?
Metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) due to high heat and pressure.
What is a delta and how is it formed?
A delta is a triangular deposit of sediment at the mouth of a river, formed by the deposition of sediments carried by the river.
Which rock type is generally the hardest and most resistant to erosion?
Igneous rocks are typically the hardest and most resistant to erosion.
What is it called when a mineral has uneven jagged breaks?
Fracture
What is the primary source of energy driving the rock cycle?
Earth's internal heat
How do glaciers contribute to erosion?
Glaciers erode landscapes by dragging rocks and debris across the surface, scraping and grinding down the land.
What is the defining characteristic of foliated metamorphic rocks?
Foliated metamorphic rocks, like slate, have a layered or banded appearance due to the alignment of minerals.
What is the most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust?
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust.
What type of rock is Granite?
Igneous Rock
What type of rock would you expect to find near a volcano?
Igneous rock, such as basalt, is commonly found near volcanoes.
What is the role of rivers in shaping valleys and mountains?
Rivers erode rock and sediment, creating valleys and deepening them over time, while depositing sediment to form features like floodplains and deltas.
How do metamorphic rocks form?
Metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks due to high temperature, pressure, or chemical reactions.
Which mineral is commonly used to produce salt?
Halite is the mineral used to produce salt.
Is Quartz a Rock or a Mineral?
Mineral
What has to happen to either Sedimentary or Metamorphic rocks in order to become Igneous
Melting
What is the difference between erosion and deposition?
Erosion involves the movement of sediment, while deposition refers to the settling or accumulation of that sediment in a new location.
What is the texture of granite?
Granite has a coarse-grained texture, meaning it has large, visible crystals.
What is it called when a mineral breaks along a smooth, flat planes?
Cleavage
What type of rock is sandstone classified?
Sandstone is classified as a sedimentary rock.
What has to happen to Igneous and Metamorphic rocks to become sedimentary?
Weathering and erosion
What landform can be caused by wind erosion in deserts?
Sand dunes are formed by wind erosion in deserts.
How can you differentiate between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks based on their appearance?
Intrusive igneous rocks have larger, visible crystals, while extrusive rocks have smaller crystals because they cooled faster.
What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?
Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along smooth, flat planes, while fracture refers to uneven or jagged breaks.
What type of rock is Marble
Metamorphic
Name all 3 rock types
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
How does erosion by water create waterfalls?
Water erodes soft rock more quickly than hard rock, which can create a steep drop, forming a waterfall.
What mineral is the hardest on the Mohs scale?
Diamond
What type of rock is Limestone?
Sedimentary Rock
How would an Igneous rock become metamorphic and that metamorphic rock become sedimentary?
The igneous rock would become metamorphic from heat and pressure. The metamorphic rock would become sedimentary through erosion and weathering.
How do human activities like deforestation increase erosion?
Deforestation removes plant roots that stabilize soil, leading to increased erosion by wind and water.
How do you identify a mineral’s streak?
A mineral’s streak is identified by rubbing the mineral against a porcelain plate and observing the color of the powder left behind.
What are the 3 types of erosion
Wind, Water (ice), and Gravity,
How do plants help prevent erosion?
Plants prevent erosion by covering the soil with roots that anchor the soil and reduce the movement of sediment.
What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic substance with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure, while a rock is a mixture of one or more minerals or organic materials.