Journey Through the Rock Cycle

What type of sedimentary rock is formed from the remains of plants and animals?

• Sandstone

• Limestone

• Shale

• Coal

Answer explanation

Coal is a type of sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plants and animals.

Which process is responsible for breaking down rocks into smaller pieces?

• Compaction

• Cementation

• Weathering

• Metamorphism

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces. It is responsible for the physical disintegration of rocks through various mechanical and chemical processes.

What is the main agent of erosion that shapes the Earth's surface?

• Wind

• Water

• Ice

• Gravity

Answer explanation

Water is the main agent of erosion that shapes the Earth's surface. Its powerful force can carve out valleys, create canyons, and shape coastlines.

Clastic sedimentary rocks are primarily classified based on what characteristic?

• Color

• Mineral content

• Grain size

• Hardness

Answer explanation

Clastic sedimentary rocks are classified based on grain size, which refers to the size of the rock fragments. This characteristic helps determine the rock's origin and depositional environment.

Which human activity accelerates erosion?

• Planting trees

• Building dams

• Deforestation

• Recycling

Answer explanation

Deforestation accelerates erosion by removing the protective cover of trees.

What is the process called when sediments are glued together to form sedimentary rocks?

• Lithification

• Subduction

• Deposition

• Extrusion

Answer explanation

Lithification is the process of sediment particles being compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.

How does mining affect the rock cycle?

• It increases the rate of rock formation.

• It decreases soil erosion.

• It can expose rocks to increased weathering and erosion.

• It has no impact on the rock cycle.

Answer explanation

Mining can expose rocks to increased weathering and erosion, affecting the rock cycle.

Which type of sedimentary rock is typically formed by the precipitation of minerals from water?

• Clastic

• Organic

• Chemical

• Metamorphic

Answer explanation

Chemical sedimentary rock is formed by the precipitation of minerals from water.

What is the term for the movement of sediments from one place to another?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Metamorphism

Answer explanation

Erosion is the term for the movement of sediments from one place to another. It involves the wearing away and transportation of materials by natural forces like water, wind, or ice.

Which of the following is a way that humans can reduce their impact on the rock cycle?

• Increase the use of fossil fuels

• Practice sustainable farming

• Expand urban development

• Encourage deforestation

Answer explanation

Practicing sustainable farming is a way humans can reduce their impact on the rock cycle. It promotes soil conservation and reduces erosion, preserving the integrity of rocks and minerals.