Rocks & the Rock Cycle*

Front

What is granite?

Back

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma.

Front

What transforms granite into gneiss?

Back

Granite can be transformed into metamorphic rock gneiss through the application of pressure and heat.

Front

What are the two main forces that change rocks in the rock cycle?

Back

The two main forces are heat and pressure.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Magma is molten rock that forms when heat and pressure inside the Earth cause a rock to melt.

Front

What is compaction in the rock cycle?

Back

Compaction is the process where sediments are pressed together tightly, reducing their volume.

Front

What is cementation?

Back

Cementation is the process where minerals glue sediment together, forming sedimentary rock.

Front

What is the role of weathering in the rock cycle?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, called sediments.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process of moving sediments from one location to another, often by water, wind, or ice.

Front

What is sedimentary rock?

Back

Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.

Front

What is metamorphic rock?

Back

Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemically.