Rocks and Weathering Study Guide Notes

Rock Cycle

• Rocks are aggregates of minerals.

• Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

• Rock Cycle: Sedimentary rock $\rightarrow$ burial and heating $\rightarrow$ metamorphic rock $\rightarrow$ melting $\rightarrow$ magma $\rightarrow$ cooling and solidification $\rightarrow$ igneous rock $\rightarrow$ weathering and erosion $\rightarrow$ sediment $\rightarrow$ compaction and cementation $\rightarrow$ sedimentary rock.

Igneous Rocks

• Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

• Lava cools to form extrusive igneous rocks; magma cools to form intrusive igneous rocks.

• Intrusive igneous rocks have large crystals.

• Extrusive igneous rocks can be smooth, glass-like, or have holes.

• Composition: The chemical and mineral makeup of a rock.

Sedimentary Rocks

• Sediment is loose particles created by the weathering and erosion of rock.

• Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediment.

• The three types of sedimentary rocks are clastic, chemical, and organic.