Year 8 Earth Science: The Rock Cycle

Flashcards covering metamorphic rock types, types of weathering, and the processes and transitions within the rock cycle.

How can foliated metamorphic rocks be identified compared to non-foliated metamorphic rocks?

Foliated metamorphic rocks have bands or layers, while non-foliated metamorphic rocks are uniform in colour.

What is the definition of weathering?

The breaking down of a rock or mineral into smaller pieces.

What characterizes biological weathering?

The weathering is caused by a living thing.

What characterizes chemical weathering?

The weathering is caused by chemicals.

What characterizes physical weathering?

The weathering is caused by water and wind.

What is the rock cycle?

A model that describes the formation, breakdown, and reformation of rocks.

How many types of rocks and other components are involved in the rock cycle according to the concept development?

There are three types of rocks and two other components.

By what process is magma transformed into igneous rocks?

Cooling.

What processes are required for igneous rocks to become sediments?

Weathering and erosion.

How do sediments become sedimentary rocks?

Compaction and cementing.

What processes transform sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?

Heat and pressure.

How can metamorphic rocks or igneous rocks be turned back into magma?

Melting.

How do igneous rocks transform directly into metamorphic rocks?

Through heat and pressure.

How do metamorphic rocks become sedimentary rocks?

By first undergoing weathering and erosion to become sediments, followed by compaction and cementing.

Starting at magma in the rock cycle diagram, which type of rock forms first and by what process?

Igneous rock forms first through the process of cooling.