Notes: The Rock Cycle (SC.7.E.6.1, 6.2)

What is the rock cycle?

• A. A process by which rocks are broken down by chemical weathering only.

• B. A series of processes through which rocks are formed, altered, and recycled over geological time scales.

• C. The cycle in which rocks move from the Earth's surface to the core and back.

• D. A classification system for different types of rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

How are igneous rocks formed?

• A. By high temperature and pressure applied to existing rocks.

• B. By the accumulation and compaction of sediment.

• C. By volcanic eruption bringing molten rock to the surface where it cools and solidifies, forming extrusive igneous rocks.

• D. By magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, forming intrusive igneous rocks.

What is the primary process that leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

• A. The cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface.

• B. The transport and deposition of weathered rock fragments to a new location.

• C. The exposure of rocks to high temperatures and pressures within the Earth.

• D. The eruption of molten rock from volcanoes.

What causes metamorphic rocks to form?

• A. The cooling of lava on the Earth's surface.

• B. The deposition and cementation of loose sediment.

• C. Heat and pressure from tectonic forces changing the mineral composition and texture of existing rocks.

• D. The solidification of molten rock material after a volcanic eruption.

What is chemical weathering?

• A. The physical breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by water and wind.

• B. The transport of rock fragments by rivers and streams.

• C. The deposition of rock fragments in new locations.

• D. The chemical change within the rocks' minerals breaking down the bonds holding the rocks together, causing them to fall apart into smaller pieces.

While visiting the Grand Canyon, Whitney noticed it contains many layers of sedimentary rock. How did the sedimentary rock most likely form?

• A. By sand and other materials being deposited over time.

• B. By heat and pressure creating separate layers of materials.

• C. By magma slowly cooling and changing into solid rock.

• D. By lava from volcanic eruptions cooling on Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is hydrolysis in the context of chemical weathering?

• The process where water freezes and expands in cracks of rocks

• The reaction of water with minerals in rocks, causing them to dissolve and alter into new mineral compounds

• The wearing down of rocks by mechanical action of other rocks, sand, or sediment

• The process where plant roots grow into cracks in rocks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What does oxidation result in during the process of chemical weathering?

• The formation of rust when iron combines with oxygen

• The breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition

• The reaction of acidic compounds in rainwater with rocks

• The wearing down of rocks by the action of animals

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

What is the main effect of acid rain on rocks?

• It causes rocks to break down mechanically

• It freezes and expands in the cracks of rocks

• It dissolves minerals and weakens the rock structure

• It results in the growth of plant roots into rock cracks

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is the primary characteristic of physical weathering?

• It changes the chemical composition of rocks

• It involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition

• It is caused exclusively by the action of animals and plants

• It results in the formation of new mineral compounds