Rock Types
What are the three main rock types involved in the rock cycle?
Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary
The process of rock breaking down over millions of years by wind and rain.
Erosion
Igneous rock formed inside the Earth's crust is called _____________ while igneous rock that formed outside the Earth's crust is called _____________.
Intrusive and Extrusive
Lava is molten rock above Earth's crust while magma is molten rock below the Earth's crust.
Minerals form during a process called the _______________
Rock Cycle
What rock forms through the compaction of sediments?
Sedimentary Rock
When layers of sediment (above or below water) begin to stack on top of one another and start to compact and solidify the lower layers is called __________ and __________.
Compaction and Cementation.
What are clastic sedimentary rocks?
Rocks composed of chunks of other, pre - existing rocks and sediments.
What are the two key factors required for metamorphic rock to form?
Heat and Pressure
What happens to minerals if they undergo metamorphism?
Minerals can transform into new minerals under high heat or pressure (metamorphism).
Describe how igneous rock is formed.
Igneous rock is formed through the crystallization of lava or magma as it cools.
Describe the process of transportation and deposition.
When eroded rock is carried away in streams or rivers and is later deposited into riverbeds or ocean floors creating layers of sediment.
What is stratification.
Layers of sediment varying in color that are present is some sedimentary rocks.
(Stripes)
When igneous rock has large, coarse grains that look like easily visible crystals; formed with a slow cooling rate intrusively. Is called _____________ texture.
Phaneritic texture
What is the difference between the color of a mineral and its luster?
Luster - how the mineral reflects light while color is the color of the mineral (does not reflect light)
What is the formal definition of a "rock".
Naturally occurring aggregates made of one or more minerals.
______________ is when metamorphic rock turns into magma due to intense heat and pressure from Earth's mantle.
Rock melting.
remains of ancient lifeforms, often found in sedimentary rocks providing clues about past environments.
Describe the difference between Vesicular and Glassy igneous rocks.
Vesicular extremely course with lots of air pockets caused by lava cooling while glassy igneous rocks are smooth and shiny.
Describe the precipitation process:
Minerals can form from solutions, such as seawater or lake water, as the solvent evaporates or becomes supersaturated. When the concentration of minerals in the solution exceeds its solubility, crystals begin to form.
____________ metamorphic rock that has layered or banded appearance due to the alignment of mineral grains.
Foliated
What causes once previously buried rock to be forced up to the surface in a process called "uplift and exposure"?
Tectonic forces such as Earthquakes or formation of volcanoes and mountains.
Why is the rock cycle described as a never ending process?
The rock cycle is never ending because there is no end or beginning point.
What are the four compositions of igneous rocks
Felsic - light in color
Intermediate - both light and dark in color
Mafic - Minerals are dark in color
Ultra mafic - Extremely dark in color due to large amounts of Fe (iron)
What are the ten minerals on the Mohs scale of hardness? From weakest to strongest?
Talc
Gypsum
Calcite
Fluorite
Apatite
Orthoclase
Quartz
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond