Rock Cycle Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about the rock cycle.

Cooling / Crystallization

The process of cooling and crystallization turns magma into igneous rock.

Compaction and Cementation

The process of compaction and cementation turns sediment into sedimentary rock.

Melting

The process of melting turns metamorphic rocks into magma.

Weathering and Erosion

The processes of weathering and erosion turn any rock into sediment. (metamorphic into sediment, igneous into sediment, sedimentary rock into sediment)

Heat and Pressure

The application of heat and pressure turns igneous or sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock.

Igneous Rock Transformations

Igneous rock can become sediment (via weathering & erosion), magma (via melting), or metamorphic rock (via heat & pressure).

Sedimentary Rock Transformations

Sedimentary rock can become sediment (via weathering & erosion), metamorphic rock (via heat & pressure), or magma (via melting).

Metamorphic Rock Transformations

Metamorphic rock can become magma (via melting) or sediment (via weathering & erosion).

Weathering and Erosion Definition

Weathering and erosion break down rocks into sediment.

Compaction and Cementation Definition

Compaction and cementation form sedimentary rock from sediment.

Heat and Pressure Definition

Heat and pressure form metamorphic rock.

Melting Definition

Melting forms magma from any rock type.

Cooling/Crystallization Definition

Cooling/crystallization forms igneous rock from magma.