Definitions
The view that most of Earth's geological features are the result of large-scale catastrophes such as floods, volcanic eruptions, etc.
Catastrophism
How are igneous rocks formed?
From molten rock.
What does inorganic mean?
The process by which rocks are broken down to form sediments.
Weathering
What is it called when the "veins" of igneous rock shoot right through several layers of sedimentary rock?
Intrusion
The view that most of earth's geological features are teh results of slow, gradual process that have been at work for millions or even billions of years.
Uniformitarianism
How are sedimintary rocks formed?
From sediments like salt, silt, minerals, etc. that are laid down by water or some other agent.
The term "crystalline" is a term used in chemistry that refers to what?
A type of structure that is usually has a sharp geometric shape.
The process by which rock and soil are broken down and transported away.
Erosion
What is it called when the "veins" of igneous rock run the same direction as the Strata?
Sills
The decayed remains of once-living creatures.
Humus
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
It is a rock that has undergone change usually due to heat or pressure.
What has a chemical makeup that does not change and is the same throughout?
Mineral
A surface if erosion that separates one layer of rock from another.
Uniconformity
What is it called when the "veins" of igneous rock run perpendicular direction of the Strata?
Dikes
Inorganic crystalline substances found naturally in the earth.
Minerals
What two types of rocks can be metamorphic?
Igneous & Sedimentary
What substance is considered a "pure substance"
Minerals
What agent responsible for laying down most of the sedimentary rock we see today?
Water
What is the difference between stalagmite and stalactite?
Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave. They form when water drips down and leaves behind minerals.
Stalagmites grow up from the floor of a cave. They form from the water that drips down and builds up on the ground.
Remember: Stalactites have a "c" for ceiling, and stalagmites have a "g" for ground!
What is it called when rocks form obvious layers?
Strata
What is it called when a single layer of rock is less than 1 centimeter thick?
Lamination
What two things can you usually distinguish between by just looking at it?
Rock and minerals.
Name the two types of weathering.
Physical weathering & Chemical weathering.
What is it called when a river meets a body of water, like an ocean or lake, and slows down. The river drops the dirt and sand it carries, and over time, this builds up land.
A Delta