Earth Systems 3209: Unit 3 - Earth Materials (Rocks)

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to rocks, rock types, geological processes, and key concepts in the rock cycle.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks that have solidified from a molten state, formed from magma or lava.

Magma

Molten rock located beneath Earth’s surface.

Lava

Molten rock that has reached Earth’s surface.

Sedimentary Rocks

Types of rocks formed by the deposition and cementation of mineral or organic particles.

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks formed by altering pre-existing rocks through heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.

Rock Cycle

The process by which rocks are transformed from one type to another over geological time.

Plutonic (Intrusive) Rocks

Igneous rocks that form from magma cooling slowly beneath Earth's surface.

Volcanic (Extrusive) Rocks

Igneous rocks that form from lava cooling quickly on Earth’s surface.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation of fragments of pre-existing rocks.

Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the precipitation of minerals from solution.

Organic (Biochemical) Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation of organic materials.

Metamorphism

The process by which existing rocks change character due to heat, pressure, and fluids.

Contact Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs when rocks are heated by nearby molten magma.

Regional Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs over large areas under high pressure and temperature.

Foliated Texture

A texture in which mineral grains are arranged in planes or bands.

Non-foliated Texture

A texture in which mineral grains are not arranged in planes or bands.

Weathering

The process where rocks are broken down by natural forces.

Erosion

The transport of weathered rock and soil from one location to another.

Lithification

The process of turning sediment into sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation.

Bowen's Reaction Series

The sequence in which different minerals crystallize from cooling magma.

Metamorphic Grade

The intensity of metamorphism, categorized as high-grade or low-grade.

Kimberlite

An ultramafic volcanic rock often associated with diamonds.

Coal Formation Stages

The four stages are Peat, Lignite, Bituminous, and Anthracite.