The Cycling of Earth's Materials

Front

What type of rock forms when molten rock cools?

Back

Igneous rock is formed when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies.

Front

What is a naturally occurring solid mixture composed of minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, or glass?

Back

Rock is a naturally occurring solid mixture of various materials.

Front

What process occurs when minerals dissolved in surrounding water crystallize between grains of sediment, 'gluing' them together?

Back

Cementation is the process where minerals crystallize and bind sediment grains together.

Front

What type of sedimentary rock is formed by organisms or the remains of organisms?

Back

Biochemical sedimentary rocks are formed from the remains of living organisms.

Front

What type of rock forms when heat and pressure cause existing rocks to change?

Back

Metamorphic rock is formed through heat and pressure altering existing rocks.

Front

What is the process called when sediments are pressed together under pressure?

Back

Compaction is the process where sediments are pressed together under pressure.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Front

What is the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks form from cooled molten rock, while sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of sediments.

Front

What is the term for rocks formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles?

Back

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What type of rock is formed from the cooling of lava on the Earth's surface?

Back

Extrusive igneous rock is formed from the cooling of lava on the Earth's surface.