Geology: Rock Types and Formation Processes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the geology of rocks, their formation processes, and classifications.

Weathering

The process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles or sediments.

Igneous Rock

Rock formed from the solidification of molten material (magma or lava).

Intrusive Rock

Igneous rock that forms from magma cooling slowly beneath the Earth's surface.

Extrusive Rock

Igneous rock that forms from lava cooling quickly on the Earth's surface.

Granite

A coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica.

Basalt

A fine-grained extrusive igneous rock that is typically dark in color and formed from rapid cooling of lava.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.

Lithification

The process of turning loose sediments into solid rock through compaction and cementation.

Compaction

The process of squeezing sediments together, reducing pore space and increasing density.

Cementation

The process by which dissolved minerals precipitate from water and bond together sediment particles.

Metamorphic Rock

A rock that has undergone significant physical or chemical change due to heat and pressure.

Marble

A metamorphic rock formed from limestone, characterized by its crystalline structure and various colors.

Quartzite

A hard metaphoric rock that originates from sandstone, formed by heat and pressure.

Fissures

Long cracks through which lava erupts during volcanic activity.

Aureole

The zone of contact metamorphism surrounding an igneous intrusion where changes occur due to heat.

Evaporites

Chemically formed sedimentary rocks that result from the evaporation of water, leaving behind minerals like gypsum and rock salt.