ROCK CYCLE

Igneous 

• When magma cools and solidifies through process of crystallization

• Extrusive (volcanic rocks)

• Molten rocks that solidify

• Intrusive (plutonic rocks)

• Formed at depth

• Characterization: Texture and crystal size

Sedimentary 

• Sediments result from uplift and weathering, which then transported and deposited in different areas

• Lithification

• Sediments are transformed into solid sedimentary rocks

• Compaction

• Files of sediments accumulate and materials below are compacted by the weight of the overlying layers

• Cementation

• Water that seeps through pore spaces, containing cementing materials which binds particles together

• Common cements

• Calcite, silica, iron oxide

• Strata

• Characteristic where fossils or imprints or animals that existed are seen

Metamorphic

• Came from pre-existing rocks

• Parent rocks undergo changes in mineralogy, texture, and chemical composition

• Subjected to high heat and pressure

• Metamorphism

  • Transformation of parent rock into texturally and mineralogically new rock

• Heat

  • Most important agent of metamorphism

• Stress

  • Another agent

• Foliation

  • Tectonic forces squeeze rocks as they are heated, rocks deform into folds and form layers

• Pressure

  • Causes spaces to close, producing a more compact rock

• Chemically-active fluids

• Water, carbon dioxide, volatile materials

• Catalysts to promote crystallization