AV 6th Grade Flash Cards Semester Review

Front

Sedimentary rocks are composed of

Back

small particles of sediment.

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of small particles of sediment, such as sand, silt, and clay, rather than from large or hard rocks or mainly igneous rocks.

Front

Identify the type of rock: The shells of different animals fall to the ocean floor. Over time, these shells break down into smaller pieces and combine with sand and bone to become a rock. This is an example of a _____.

Back

Sedimentary

Answer explanation

This scenario describes the formation of sedimentary rock, which occurs when organic materials like shells and bones accumulate and compact over time, differentiating it from igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Front

The decomposition of rock is caused by

Back

weathering

Answer explanation

The decomposition of rock is primarily caused by weathering, which involves the breakdown of rocks through physical, chemical, or biological processes. Erosion and deposition refer to the movement and accumulation of materials, not their breakdown.

Front

In what type of rock are fossils most likely to form?

Back

Sedimentary rocks form in layers that help prevent fossils from being destroyed.

Answer explanation

Fossils most likely form in sedimentary rocks because they develop in layers that protect the remains from destruction. In contrast, metamorphic and igneous rocks involve heat and pressure or cooling processes that typically destroy fossils.

Front

This type of igneous rock remains inside the Earth.

Back

Intrusive

Answer explanation

Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, making them distinct from extrusive rocks, which erupt and cool on the surface.

Front

When heat or pressure cause a rock to transform into a new type of rock, we call these rocks _____?

Back

Metamorphic

Answer explanation

When heat or pressure alters a rock, it becomes a metamorphic rock. This process distinguishes metamorphic rocks from igneous and sedimentary rocks, which form through different processes.

Front

How does magma become an igneous rock?

Back

Cooling

Answer explanation

Magma becomes an igneous rock through the process of cooling. As magma cools, it solidifies and forms igneous rock, distinguishing it from other processes like melting or compaction.

Front

Geologists have classified rocks into three main groups of rocks.

Back

igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

Answer explanation

Geologists classify rocks into three main groups: igneous, formed from cooled magma; sedimentary, formed from particles; and metamorphic, formed under heat and pressure. Thus, the correct answer is igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Front

This rock began as molten magma. What type of rock is this?

Back

Igneous

Answer explanation

This rock is classified as igneous because it originates from molten magma. When magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rock, distinguishing it from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Front

This rock was another type of rock that was heated and compressed over time. What type of rock is this?

Back

Metamorphic

Answer explanation

The rock described is a metamorphic rock, formed from existing rocks that have been heated and compressed over time, altering their structure and mineral composition.