Unit 4 Review

What are the processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rock?

• weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation

• tectonic plate movement, folding, faulting

• volcanic activity, lava cooling, lithification

• melting, crystallization, solidification

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rock forms through processes including weathering (breaking down rocks), erosion (transporting sediments), deposition (settling of sediments), compaction (squeezing sediments), and cementation (binding sediments together).

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Limestone can turn into marble due to heat and pressure. If marble melts, it could become a different type of rock. What is the rock cycle for these transformations?

• Sedimentary > Metamorphic > Igneous

• Metamorphic > Sedimentary > Igneous

• Igneous > Sedimentary > Metamorphic

• Sedimentary > Igneous > Metamorphic

Answer explanation

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that transforms into marble, a metamorphic rock, under heat and pressure. If marble melts, it can become magma, which cools to form igneous rock. Thus, the correct cycle is Sedimentary > Metamorphic > Igneous.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which statement describes the connection between plate tectonics and the creation of new rock?

• The plates move and push the rocks further into the earth.

• The uplifting of the rocks and the added heat causes the plates to move at a slower pace.

• The movement of the tectonic plates causes an increase in magma production by volcanoes.

• As the particles are moved out to sea and deposited, they can make the tectonic plates move apart faster.

Answer explanation

The correct statement highlights that as tectonic plates move, they push rocks deeper into the Earth, contributing to the formation of new rock through processes like metamorphism and subduction.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which type of rock is formed by the cooling of liquid magma?

• volcanic rock

• sedimentary rock

• metamorphic rock

• igneous rock

Answer explanation

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of liquid magma. Unlike sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, which are formed through different processes, igneous rocks originate directly from molten material.

What process, along with compaction, changes loose sediments into sedimentary rock?

• erosion

• weathering

• melting

• cementation

Answer explanation

Cementation is the process that, along with compaction, transforms loose sediments into sedimentary rock. It involves minerals precipitating from water and binding the sediment particles together.

Slate, a type of rock that forms when shale rock is exposed to heat and pressure deep under Earth's surface for thousands of years. Using this information, what type of rock is slate?

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Volcanic

• Metamorphic

Answer explanation

Slate is formed from shale under heat and pressure, which classifies it as a metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are created from existing rocks that change due to environmental conditions.

Temperature and pressure can melt rock, forming ______________.

• magma

• lava

• water

• sandstone

Answer explanation

Temperature and pressure can cause rocks to melt, resulting in magma. Magma is molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that reaches the surface. Therefore, the correct answer is magma.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What is the process called that causes the breakdown of rock due to rain, wind, ice, sunlight, and plants?

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• lithification

Answer explanation

The process that causes the breakdown of rock due to rain, wind, ice, sunlight, and plants is called weathering. Unlike erosion, which involves the movement of materials, weathering refers specifically to the disintegration of rocks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the process called that adds transported sediments to a landform?

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• lithification

Answer explanation

The process that adds transported sediments to a landform is called deposition. It occurs when sediments settle out of the transporting medium, such as water or wind, and accumulate in a new location.

What is the process of transporting rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity called?

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• lithification

Answer explanation

The process of transporting rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity is called erosion. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks, deposition is the laying down of materials, and lithification is the process of turning sediments into rock.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4