The Rock Cycle Quiz

_______________ is the series of processes in which rocks change slowly from one type into another.

• Rock cycle

• Water cycle

• Carbon cycle

Answer explanation

The rock cycle is the series of processes that describes how rocks transform from one type to another over time, including processes like erosion, sedimentation, and metamorphism. This makes 'rock cycle' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Wind, water, ice, and gravity can cause rock to break into pieces. These pieces are called _____________.

• sediments

• minerals

• particles

Answer explanation

Wind, water, ice, and gravity break rocks into smaller pieces, which are called sediments. This term specifically refers to the fragments resulting from the weathering and erosion of rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Rocks subjected to heat, pressure, or chemical reactions undergo a change known as _________________.

• metamorphism

• erosion

• sedimentation

• weathering

Answer explanation

Rocks subjected to heat, pressure, or chemical reactions undergo metamorphism, which transforms them into metamorphic rocks. Erosion, sedimentation, and weathering are different geological processes.

Rocks never change.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Rocks do change over time due to processes like weathering, erosion, and metamorphism. Therefore, the statement 'Rocks never change' is false.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Magma is molten (liquid) rock under Earth’s surface.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Magma is indeed molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface, distinguishing it from lava, which is magma that has reached the surface.

(a)   rocks form when melted rock material cools on Earth’s surface.

• Intrusive igneous

• Extrusive igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

Answer explanation

Extrusive igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma) cools quickly on Earth's surface, solidifying into rock. In contrast, intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly beneath the surface.

Which of the following is not an example of a metamorphic rock?

• Marble

• Gneiss

• Obsidian

• Schist

Answer explanation

Obsidian is not a metamorphic rock; it is an igneous rock formed from cooled lava. In contrast, marble, gneiss, and schist are all examples of metamorphic rocks, which are formed from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure.

Sedimentary rocks form in layers called (a)   .

• igneous

• strata

• sediment

• lava

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks form in layers known as strata. This term specifically refers to the distinct layers that accumulate over time, distinguishing them from igneous rocks, which form from cooled magma, and other terms like sediment and lava.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

(a)   is the process of breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by water, wind, ice, and changes in temperature.

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Sedimentation

• Transport

Answer explanation

Weathering is the correct term as it refers to the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through natural forces like water, wind, ice, and temperature changes, unlike erosion or sedimentation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Marble is transformed from (a)   .

• Limestone

• Basalt

• Conglomerate

• Sandstone

Answer explanation

Marble is formed through the metamorphism of limestone, where heat and pressure alter its mineral composition. Basalt, conglomerate, and sandstone do not transform into marble.