click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Rocks and Minerals
Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Geologist | A person who studies the earth, including rocks and minerals. |
| Crust | The outer layer of a planet |
| Mantle | The next layer of the Earth after the crust |
| Outer Core | A liquid layer that is after the mantle |
| Inner Core | is the solid center and hottest part of the Earth. |
| Rocks | A natural, solid object made of one or more different minerals. |
| Minerals | The basic ingredient of rocks. |
| Igneous Rocks | Rocks that form when melted rock (magma) cools and hardens above ground or underground. |
| Sedimentary Rocks | Rocks that form when layers of sediment are pressed and cemented together over time. |
| Metamorphic Rocks | Rocks that form when other rocks are heated and squeezed together inside the earth. |
| Magma | Melted rock found inside the earth. |
| Lava | Melted rock that flows onto the earth. |
| Molten | Melted by very great heat |
| Sediment | Tiny pieces of rocks, shells, sand and clay that pile up on the bottom of lakes and oceans. |
| Weathering | When a rock or mineral breaks into smaller bits or pieces |
| Erosion | When smaller pieces of rock get carried away by water or wind |
| Fossil | Any rock whose shape reveals information about ancient plants, animals, or other organisms |