Rock Cycle Vocabulary

Front

The process by which rocks and minerals break down at or near the Earth's surface due to physical, chemical, and biological interactions with air, water, and living organisms.

Back

Weathering

Front

The process where soil and rock particles are worn away and transported from one place to another by natural forces like wind, water, or ice.

Back

Erosion

Front

The geological process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landmass by being dropped or 'laid down' from a transporting medium like wind, water, or ice.

Back

Deposition

Front

Solid particles, like fragments of rocks and minerals, that are transported and deposited by wind, water, or ice, usually resulting from the weathering and erosion of existing rocks.

Back

Sediment

Front

The process by which loose sediments are transformed into solid rock.

Back

Lithification

Front

The process where sediment particles are pressed together under pressure, causing a decrease in volume and the spaces between them to become smaller.

Back

Compaction

Front

The process where minerals precipitate out of water and fill the spaces between sediment grains, effectively gluing them together to form a solid rock.

Back

Cementation

Front

A type of rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, called magma when underground and lava when on the surface.

Back

Igneous rock

Front

A type of rock that has been transformed from its original state due to extreme heat and pressure, causing changes in its mineral composition and texture, essentially 'morphing' it into a new rock type.

Back

Metamorphic rock

Front

A type of rock formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediment.

Back

Sedimentary rock