Flashcard on Rocks

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Water, wind, ice, or gravity breaking down rocks

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process where water, wind, ice, or gravity break down rocks into smaller pieces. This distinguishes it from other processes like melting or movement, making the correct choice the one that describes this breakdown.

Front

What happens during cementation in sedimentary rocks?

Back

Minerals dissolve in water and crystallize between sediment

Answer explanation

During cementation, minerals dissolve in water and then crystallize between sediment particles, binding them together to form solid rock. This process is crucial for the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Front

What factors can cause metamorphism?

Back

Temperature, pressure, and fluids

Answer explanation

Metamorphism is caused by temperature, pressure, and fluids acting on existing rocks, altering their mineral composition and structure. Other factors like wind, sunlight, and gravity do not directly cause metamorphism.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of foliated metamorphic rocks? Bands of minerals, Interlocking crystals, Layered appearance, Formed under pressure

Back

Interlocking crystals

Answer explanation

Interlocking crystals are characteristic of non-foliated metamorphic rocks. Foliated metamorphic rocks are defined by bands of minerals, a layered appearance, and formation under pressure, making 'interlocking crystals' the correct choice.

Front

What is the main difference between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks?

Back

Presence of layers

Answer explanation

The main difference between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks is the presence of layers. Foliated rocks have a layered appearance due to the alignment of minerals, while non-foliated rocks do not exhibit this layering.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle?

Back

Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic

Answer explanation

The three main types of rocks in the rock cycle are Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. These categories represent the different processes through which rocks can form and transform over time.

Front

Which process is responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Back

Compaction and cementation

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks form through the processes of compaction and cementation, where sediments are pressed together and minerals precipitate, binding them into solid rock. This distinguishes them from igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Front

Which type of rock is typically formed from volcanic activity?

Back

Igneous

Answer explanation

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, which is a direct result of volcanic activity. This distinguishes them from metamorphic, organic, and sedimentary rocks.

Front

This rock formed when lava cooled very quickly on Earth's surface. What specific type of rock is it?

Back

Extrusive Igneous Rock

Answer explanation

The rock formed from lava cooling quickly on Earth's surface is classified as an Extrusive Igneous Rock. This type of rock solidifies rapidly, unlike Intrusive Igneous Rocks, which cool slowly beneath the surface.

Front

This rock was molten magma that slowly cooled under the ground. What type of rock is this?

Back

Intrusive Igneous

Answer explanation

The rock described is igneous because it formed from molten magma that cooled slowly underground. This process leads to the formation of intrusive igneous rocks, distinguishing them from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.