Rock Cycle Diagram Worksheet

Using the rock cycle diagram, explain how an igneous rock can eventually become a sedimentary rock. Which processes are involved, and in what sequence do they occur?

• Weathering and erosion, followed by compaction and cementation

• Melting, then cooling

• Heat and pressure, then melting

• Compaction and cementation, then melting

If a sedimentary rock is subjected to intense heat and pressure, what type of rock will it become, and what evidence from the diagram supports your answer?

• Igneous rock; the diagram shows sedimentary rock melting to form igneous rock

• Metamorphic rock; the diagram shows heat and pressure turning sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock

• Sediments; the diagram shows weathering and erosion breaking down rocks into sediments

• Magma; the diagram shows sedimentary rock melting directly into magma

Analyze the rock cycle diagram and determine which process is responsible for transforming magma into igneous rock. Explain why this process is essential in the cycle.

• Melting; it allows rocks to become magma

• Cooling; it solidifies magma into igneous rock

• Weathering and erosion; it breaks down rocks into sediments

• Compaction and cementation; it forms sedimentary rocks from sediments

Imagine you are given a sample of igneous rock. Describe a strategic approach you would use to determine whether it formed underground or above ground, using evidence from its color and crystal size.

• Examine the rock's color and crystal size to infer its cooling history and formation location.

• Only look at the rock's weight to determine its origin.

• Ignore the rock's appearance and focus on its magnetic properties.

• Use the rock's smell to decide where it formed.

You are tasked with explaining to a peer why all igneous rocks originate from magma. Construct a logical argument using your understanding of the rock cycle and the properties of igneous rocks.

• Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma, which is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

• Igneous rocks are formed from the compression of plant material over millions of years.

• Igneous rocks are created by the evaporation of water in lakes.

• Igneous rocks are made from the accumulation of animal remains.

A geologist finds a rock sample that is coarse grained, felsic, and formed through slow cooling deep underground. The rock is light in color and is described as "chunky." Based on this information, which rock is the geologist most likely examining, and what reasoning supports this identification?

• Granite

• Basalt

• Obsidian

• Scoria

You are given two volcanic rocks: one is fine grained, mafic, and contains air vesicles, while the other is fine grained, felsic, and floats in water due to its low density. Both are extrusive. Identify each rock and explain how their properties relate to their formation and uses.

• Scoria and Pumice; Scoria forms from mafic lava with gas bubbles, while Pumice forms from felsic lava with trapped gas, making it lightweight and useful in products.

• Granite and Gabbro; Granite is felsic and intrusive, Gabbro is mafic and intrusive.

• Basalt and Diorite; Basalt is mafic and extrusive, Diorite is intermediate and intrusive.

• Obsidian and Rhyolite; Obsidian is volcanic glass, Rhyolite is medium grained and shallow intrusive.

Compare and contrast the formation environments and mineral compositions of Gabbro and Basalt, and explain how these differences affect their appearance and typical locations.

• Gabbro forms slowly underground with large mafic crystals, making it coarse and dark, while Basalt forms quickly at the surface with fine mafic crystals, making it fine grained and dark; Gabbro is intrusive, Basalt is extrusive.

• Gabbro forms quickly at the surface with fine felsic crystals, while Basalt forms slowly underground with large felsic crystals.

• Both Gabbro and Basalt are felsic and form in volcanic eruptions.

• Gabbro is light colored and extrusive, while Basalt is dark colored and intrusive.

A student is asked to identify a rock that is volcanic glass, felsic despite its dark appearance, and forms through very fast cooling. It is often used for jewelry. What is the rock, and what evidence supports this identification?

• Obsidian; because it is volcanic glass, felsic, and forms from very fast cooling.

• Granite; because it is coarse grained and felsic.

• Scoria; because it is mafic and has air vesicles.

• Diorite; because it is intermediate and coarse grained.

Explain how the cooling rate and mineral composition of Diorite/Diabase result in its "cookies and cream" appearance, and compare this to Granite.

• Diorite/Diabase cools slowly, is intermediate in composition, and lacks feldspar, giving it a mixed light and dark appearance, while Granite is felsic, slow cooling, and light colored.

• Diorite/Diabase cools quickly and is felsic, while Granite is mafic and slow cooling.

• Both Diorite/Diabase and Granite are extrusive and fine grained.

• Diorite/Diabase is volcanic glass, while Granite is coarse grained.