Rock Cycle and Rock Types

Rock Cycle

Process by which any rock type can change into any other rock type, given enough time and the right conditions.

Igneous Rock

rock that forms as molten rock cools

Metamorphic Rock

rock that forms as heat and pressure cause changes to an existing rock

Sedimentary Rock

This rock type forms as loose materials called sediments become compacted and cemented together. Usually, these rocks have layers.

Sediments

little pieces of weathered rock, plant remains, and animal remains

Heat and Pressure

These two forces work together to transform rocks deep inside Earth's crust.

Weathering

This is the breaking down of rocks. It can be caused by wind, rain, ice, or gravity.

Erosion

The movement of sediments. This can be caused by water, wind, or even glaciers.

Wind

This causes the most erosion in dry areas that get little rainfall.

Lava

This is molten rock that is on Earth's suface. For this to happen, it has to erupt from a volcano.

Magma

This is molten rock underneath Earth's surface.

Cooling

This is the process that forms igneous rock.

Compacting and Cementing

Sediments pressed under their own pressure and being 'glued' together

Foliated

This type of metamorphic has flat or wavy bands of mineral crystals that grew as the rock was heated deep underground.

Gneiss

This is a coarse-grained, foliated metamorphic rock. It usually contains the minerals feldspar, quartz, and mica.

Granite

This is a very hard, crystalline, intrusive igneous rock. It is made mostly of quartz, mica, and feldspar. It is often used in counter tops and building materials.

Basalt

This is a dark, porous, volcanic rock. Most of the ocean floor is made of this rock.

Sandstone

This is a sedimentary rock consisting of sand grains cemented together, typically red, yellow, tan, or brown in color.

Limestone

This is a sedimentary rock, composed mainly of seashells and calcium carbonate. It is used to make cement.

Marble

This is a hard metamorphic rock formed from limestone, typically white in color. It is used in sculpture and architecture.

Intrusive Igneous Rock

This igneous rock formed underground as magma cools slowly. Because it cools slowly, the crystals inside the rock grow very large.

Extrusive Igneous Rock

This igneous rock forms as erupted lava cools quickly on Earth's surface. Because it cools so quickly, these rocks have very, very tiny crystals.

Fossils

This is the remains or impression of an ancient organism. These are only found in sedimentary rock (not igneous or metamorphic).

Form

Rocks are classified into groups based on how they _____.

Quickly

Lava cools _______.

Slowly

Magma cools _______.

Big

Mineral grains in intrusive igneous rocks are _____.

Small

Mineral grains in extrusive igneous rocks are _____.

Water

Sedimentary rocks usually form in the bottom of a body of _______.

Minerals

Rocks are made from one or more ______.

Deposition

The process of sediments being laid down in layers