Science STAAR Rock Cycle

The diagram above shows the sequence of the process that turn solid rock into sandstone. Which two processes best complete this diagram? (5.7A)

• Melting and cooling

• Erosion and compaction

• Compaction and cementation

• Evaporation and dissolving

All of these are related to the formation of oil or natural gas EXCEPT-- (5.7A)

• decomposed animals

• decayed plants

• sedimentary rocks

• active volcanoes

The model shows layers of sediment on the floor of an ocean. Which of the following best explains how these layers can become rock over many years? (5.7A)

• Sand in the sediment melts and turns into rock.

• The weight of the water compacts the sediment into rock.

• Changing water temperatures turn sand in the sediment into rock.

• Pollution caused by humans turns the sediment into rock.

Fossil fuels formed over long periods of time after particles in water settled to the sea floor and formed marine mud. What kinds of particles needed to be present in the marine mud in order for fossil fuels to form? (5.7A)

• Mostly sand and a few small bits of wood

• Mostly decaying organisms

• Mostly lava and a few sedimentary rocks

• Mostly metal minerals

Some students make a model to show one of the first steps in the formation of sedimentary rock. The students pour 2 centimeters of light-colored sand into a clear plastic box. Then they add 1 centimeter of gravel. Finally they pour 2 centimeters of dark-colored sand on top of the gravel. Which characteristic of sedimentary rock does this model best show? (5.7A)

• Sedimentary rock is made of layers.

• Sedimentary rock is cemented bits of rock.

• Sedimentary rock is often limestone.

• Sedimentary rock is common in Texas.

Erosion is one of the processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks. Which of these best describes the process of erosion? (5.7A)

• Rocks are broken into smaller pieces that remain in the same location.

• Pressure compacts layers of sediment and turns them into rock.

• Pieces of rock or soil are carried from one place to another.

• Sediment grains fall to the bottom of a lake to form sedimentary layers.

This photograph shows plants growing on the surface of a pond. How do plants like these form fossil fuels? (5.7A)

• The dead plants sink to the bottom of the pond and get buried by sediment for millions of years.

• The dead plants get buried for millions of years and form fossils that attract carbon.

• The dead plants sink to the bottom of the pond and are consumed by decomposers.

• The dead plants produce carbon that is consumed by fish, which form fossils.

Which list contains only processes that must occur in order for fossil fuels to form? (5.7A)

• Formation of faults, burial, glacier formation

• Organism growth, burial, volcanic eruptions

• Organism growth, burial, compaction

• Erosion, burial, earthquakes

Which diagram models the process of compaction leading to the formation of sedimentary rock? (5.7A)

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The diagram shows layers deposited under a body of water. This layering continued for millions of years. What most likely happened to the dead plants and animals? (5.7A)

• They were eaten by scavengers.

• They became fossil fuels.

• They were washed away by water.

• They became an underground aquifer.