Rocks and the Rock Cycle

Front

The process by which water, wind, ice, and changes in temperature break down rock into fragments called sediments.

Back

Weathering

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process where water, wind, ice, and temperature changes break down rocks into smaller fragments called sediments. This distinguishes it from erosion, which involves the movement of those sediments.

Front

Rock that forms when minerals form from solutions or sediment from older rocks get pressed and cemented together.

Back

Sedimentary Rock

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rock forms when minerals precipitate from solutions or when sediments from older rocks are compacted and cemented together. This process distinguishes it from metamorphic and igneous rocks.

Front

Rock that forms when pressure, temperature, or chemical processes change existing rock.

Back

Metamorphic Rock

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rock forms when existing rock undergoes changes due to pressure, temperature, or chemical processes. This distinguishes it from igneous and sedimentary rocks, which form through different processes.

Front

The process by which metamorphic rocks are formed...

Back

heat and pressure

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rocks are formed through the process of heat and pressure, which alters existing rocks. This distinguishes them from sedimentary rocks, formed by compaction and cementation, and igneous rocks, formed by melting and cooling.

Front

The process by which igneous rocks are formed...

Back

melting and cooling

Answer explanation

Igneous rocks are formed through the processes of melting and cooling. Magma melts and then cools to solidify, creating these rocks, unlike sedimentary rocks which form from compaction and cementation.

Front

A metamorphic rock can become ______.

Back

all of these

Answer explanation

A metamorphic rock can undergo processes such as melting to become igneous rock, or weathering and compaction to form sedimentary rock. Therefore, it can transform into all three types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.

Front

An igneous rock can become ______.

Back

metamorphic, sedimentary, igneous, all of these

Answer explanation

An igneous rock can undergo processes like melting and cooling to become igneous again, or it can be subjected to heat and pressure to form metamorphic rock, or erode and compact to form sedimentary rock. Thus, the correct answer is 'all of these'.

Front

rock altered, changed, by pressure and heat

Back

metamorphic rock

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rock is altered by heat and pressure. This distinguishes it from sedimentary and igneous rocks, which form through different processes.

Front

The name rock is given when it is broken down into smaller pieces.

Back

sediment

Answer explanation

When rock is broken down into smaller pieces, the resulting fragments are called sediment. This process is part of weathering, but the term specifically for the smaller pieces is sediment.

Front

What does it mean for a rock to be extrusive?

Back

Form from Lava

Answer explanation

A rock is considered extrusive when it forms from lava that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface. This distinguishes it from intrusive rocks, which form from magma beneath the surface.