click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Rock Cycle
Rock Cycle (6.10B)
| Definition | |
|---|---|
| Earth's Evolution | The process that formed and changed the Earth from its beginning to the present. |
| Mineral Composition | The unique combination of solid elements and compounds that make up a mineral |
| Rock Cycle | Earth's rocks change from one type into another over time due to various Earth processes. Changes occur in mineral compositions and physical structures. |
| Igneous Rock | Rocks formed when lava and magma cools and solidifies. Lava cools quickly and forms rocks with small crystals, while magma cools more slowly and forms rocks with larger crystals. |
| Lava | Molten rock or magma that has reached Earth's surface by volcanic action; characterized by small crystals due to rapid cooling on Earth's surface. |
| Magma | Melted or molten rock material beneath Earth's surface; cools slowly to form rocks with larger crystals. |
| Metamorphic Rock | Rocks formed deep underground where heat and pressure cause existing rocks to be changed into both mineral composition and structural characteristics. |
| Heat and Pressure | Changing variables due to the weight of overlaying rocks, causing changes to rock characteristic and mineral composition, thus form metamorphic rocks |
| Sedimentary Rocks | Rocks that form when particles of other rocks are deposited in layers and are compacted (crushed together), and cemented (binding of the sediments). |
| Compaction | Occurs when rock particles or sediments are pressed together or packed down by gravity and the pressure of overlying rock layers. |
| Crystallization | The process by which a substance's molecules or atoms. |
| Weathering | Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces called sediments. |
| Erosion | Sediments are transported from one area to another. |
| Burial | Sediments are covered by more sediments being deposited above them, and over time layers are built. |
| Depostision | Sediments are dropped in new locations. |
| Sediments | Pieces of rock that are broken down by weathering, erosion, and deposition. |