The Rock Cycle
In your own words, what is the definition for the term rock cycle?
The process in which one rock type changes into another rock type. In this process, rock is continuously recycled.
______ forms plains called lava plateaus.
Extrusive Igneous Rock
The most characteristic property of sedimentary rock is _____.
Stratification
_____ metamorphic rock contains minerals that are arranged in plates or bands.
Foliated
The ____ of a rock is determined by the sizes, shapes, and positions of the minerals the rock contains.
Texture
An igneous rock that cools very slowly has a ____ texture
Coarse grained
Sedimentary rock is classified into all of the following main categories except...
a. Clastic
b. Chemical
c. Nonfoliated
G. Organic
Nonfoliated
A _____ is a common structure found in metamorphic rock.
Fold
the process in which sediment is removed from its source and transported is called...
Erosion
Igneous rocks form when...
magma cools and solidifies
Describe how each rock changes as it moves through the rock cycle.
When a rocks are buried, that are heated and squeezed to creates metamorphic rock. Sometimes, the heat is enough to melt the rock and create magma, which cools to form igneous rock. Buried rocks are uplifted, and when rocks at the Earth's surface are eroded, sediments are created. These sediments are buried and later harden into sedimentary rock.
Describe two ways a rock can undergo metamorphism.
2. Regional metamorphism: occurs when pressure builds up in deep rock or when large pieces of Earth's crust collide, deforming and chemically changing rock over large areas
Explain how composition and texture are used by scientists to classify rocks.
Scientist use differences in composition, or the minerals a rock is made up of, to classify rock. Scientists use differences in texture to further classify rocks.
Mafic rocks are....
Dark-colored rocks rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium
Describe two ways rocks were used by early humans and ancient civilizations.
Tools and building materials
Explain why some minerals only occur in metamorphic rocks.
Some minerals can form only at specific pressures and temperatures present during metamorphism