Rock Formations

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Magma Noun

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[mag-muh]

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Magma

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Molten rock material found beneath the Earth's surface that forms igneous rock when it cools and hardens.

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Example: The image shows magma beneath the Earth's crust, illustrating how it forms igneous rock when it cools.

Front

Sediment Noun

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[sed-uh-muhnt]

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Sediment

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Small, solid pieces of material from rocks or living things that are moved and deposited in a new location.

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Example: Sediment from the river is shown being deposited along the riverbank, illustrating how small pieces of material are moved and settled in new locations.

Front

Weathering Noun

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[weth-er-ing]

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Weathering

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The process that breaks down rocks and other substances at Earth's surface into smaller pieces called sediment.

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Example: A river erodes the land, breaking down rocks into sediment, showing weathering.

Front

Erosion Noun

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[ih-roh-zhuhn]

Back

Erosion

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The process by which natural forces like wind and water move weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

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Example: The river erodes the land, moving soil and rock downstream.

Front

Compaction Noun

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[kuhm-pak-shuhn]

Back

Compaction

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The process that presses sediments together, reducing the space between particles as a step in forming sedimentary rock.

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Example: Sediments are shown being pressed together, illustrating compaction in rock formation.

Front

Cementation Noun

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[see-men-tay-shuhn]

Back

Cementation

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The process where dissolved minerals crystallize and glue sediment particles together, forming a solid sedimentary rock.

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Example: Sediment particles are shown being glued together by minerals, forming solid rock layers.

Front

Igneous Rock Noun

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[ig-nee-uhs rok]

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Igneous Rock

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A type of rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, such as magma or lava.

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Example: Magma beneath the Earth's surface cools and solidifies to form igneous rock.

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Sedimentary Rock Noun

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[sed-uh-men-tuh-ree rok]

Back

Sedimentary Rock

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A type of rock that forms when particles of sediment are compacted and cemented together in distinct layers.

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Example: Layers of sediment particles compacted and cemented together form sedimentary rock.

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Metamorphic Rock Noun

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[met-uh-mawr-fik rok]

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Metamorphic Rock

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A type of rock that has been changed from its original form by intense heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

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Example: Layers of rock are shown with heat and pressure, demonstrating how metamorphic rocks form.

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Rock Formation Noun

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[rok fawr-may-shuhn]

Back

Rock Formation

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A large and continuous body of rock that is identifiable and can be mapped by geologists.

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Example: The image shows layers of rock formed over time, illustrating rock formation.