Rocks and the Rock Cycle

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to rocks and the rock cycle as per the lecture notes.

Rock

Any solid mass of mineral or mineral-like matter occurring naturally as part of our planet.

Rock Cycle

The continuous processes that cause rocks to change from one type to another, involving interactions among Earth's water, air, and land.

Igneous Rock

Formed when magma cools and crystallizes either beneath the surface or as a result of a volcanic eruption.

Sedimentary Rock

Formed when weathered products of preexisting rocks are compacted and cemented.

Metamorphic Rock

Formed by the alteration of pre-existing rock deep within Earth by heat and pressure.

Magma

Molten material that forms deep beneath Earth’s surface.

Lava

Magma that reaches the surface.

Weathering

The process that breaks rocks down by water, air, and living things.

Sediment

Weathered pieces of Earth materials.

Clastic Rock

Sedimentary rocks made of weathered bits of rocks and minerals.

Chemical Sedimentary Rock

Forms when dissolved minerals separate from water.

Organic Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed from the remains of organisms.

Metamorphism

The process of changing form, typically occurring under elevated temperatures and pressures.

Foliated Metamorphic Rock

Metamorphic rock with a banded or layered appearance.

Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rock

Metamorphic rock that does not have a banded texture.