Rock Cycle

Flashcards on the Rock Cycle

  • Rock Cycle: The continuous process of rock formation and transformation involving igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

  • Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled and solidified magma or lava. Examples include granite and basalt.

  • Sedimentary Rocks: Created from sediments that accumulate over time, often in layers. Examples include sandstone and limestone.

  • Metamorphic Rocks: Formed when existing rocks undergo transformation due to heat and pressure. Examples include marble and schist.

  • Magma: Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface, which can cause volcanic activity.

  • Lava: Molten rock that reaches the Earth's surface during a volcanic eruption.

  • Weathering: The process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments through natural forces like wind and water.

  • Erosion: The movement of sediments from one location to another by agents such as water, wind, and ice.

  • Lithification: The process of converting sediments into solid rock through compaction and cementation.