Types of Rocks and Their Formation

These flashcards cover the different types of rocks, their formation, and key geological processes related to rocks.

Igneous Rocks

• Rocks formed from solidified magma or lava.
  • Can be intrusive (plutonic) or extrusive (volcanic).

Sedimentary Rocks

• Rocks formed from the compression of sediments.
  • Sediments include broken rock fragments and remains of organisms.

Metamorphic Rocks

• Rocks modified by heat, pressure, or both.
  • Changes appearance and composition.

Plutonic Rocks

• Igneous rocks that solidified slowly beneath Earth's surface.
  • Example: granite.

Volcanic Rocks

• Igneous rocks that solidified quickly on Earth's surface.
  • Example: basalt.

Lithification

• The process of cementing sediments together.
  • Forms solid rock.

Marble

• A metamorphic rock formed from limestone.
  • Created under heat and pressure.

Quartzite

• A metamorphic rock formed from sandstone.
  • Extremely resistant and lacking layers.

Denudation

• The process by which surface materials are worn away.
  • Often leads to sediment formation.

Erosion

• The process by which rock and soil are broken down.
  • Transported by natural forces such as water or wind.

Caledonian Fold Mountain Period

• A geological period approximately 400 million years ago.
  • Characterized by significant mountain-building events in Ireland.

The Rock Cycle

• The continuous process of rock formation,
  • Change, destruction, and reconstitution.

Organic Sedimentary Rock

• Sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plant and animal life.
  • Example: limestone.

Inorganic Sedimentary Rock

• Sedimentary rock formed from the remains of pre-existing rock.
  • Example: sandstone.

Thermal/Contact Metamorphism

• Metamorphism that occurs due to heat alone.
  • Caused by magma intrusions.