Lesson 4 Flashcards
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth’s surface due to greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.
What is the chemical formula for methane gas?
CH₄
Where does methane gas come from?
Methane gas comes from natural sources like wetlands, and human activities such as agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.
What are igneous rocks?
Igneous rocks are formed when hot molten rocks from the mantle cool at or just below the Earth’s surface.
What type of rock is granite?
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock that contains large crystals due to slow cooling beneath the Earth’s surface.
What type of rock is basalt?
Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock that forms when molten rock cools quickly on the Earth’s surface.
What does impermeable mean in the context of igneous rocks?
Impermeable means that igneous rocks do not allow water to pass through them.
How are igneous rocks formed?
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock.
How can we tell that a rock is igneous?
Igneous rocks can be identified by their crystal structure and texture.
Where does the molten rock come from to form igneous rocks?
The molten rock comes from the Earth’s mantle.
How can I tell whether an igneous rock cooled slowly or more rapidly?
Slow cooling results in larger crystals, while rapid cooling results in smaller crystals.
Where would obsidian likely have formed?
Obsidian likely formed on the Earth’s surface due to rapid cooling.
What is the relationship between the rate of cooling and the texture of igneous rocks?
The rate of cooling affects the size of the crystals and the texture of the rocks.
Identify two common uses of igneous rocks.
- Construction * Decorative stone
Describe the differences between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.
Intrusive rocks cool slowly beneath the surface, while extrusive rocks cool quickly on the surface.
What is the difference between magma and lava?
Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface, while lava is molten rock that reaches the surface.
Why is granite commonly used in construction?
Granite is durable and aesthetically pleasing, making it ideal for buildings, countertops, and monuments.
What are metamorphic rocks?
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are changed by intense pressure and heat without chemical alteration.
What does ‘morph’ mean?
‘Morph’ means ‘to change’.
How do existing rocks change to form metamorphic rocks?
They change due to intense pressure and heat over millions of years.
What is a characteristic appearance of metamorphic rocks?
Metamorphic rocks often have a layered appearance.
What are some examples of metamorphic rocks?
- Marble * Slate
What are sedimentary rocks?
Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and compression of minerals and organic particles over millions of years.
What is a key characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
Sedimentary rocks are porous and can allow water to pass through.
What is an important feature of sedimentary rocks in studying Earth’s history?
Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils.
What type of cooling will result in the formation of smaller crystals?
Rapid cooling.
What type of cooling will result in the formation of larger crystals?
Slow cooling.
Which type of rocks are formed as a result of compression?
Sedimentary rocks.
Describe a similarity between metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Both types of rocks can be impermeable.
Describe a difference between metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic rocks are formed under heat and pressure, while sedimentary rocks form from accumulated particles.
What are the 5 stages in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
- Weathering * Erosion * Deposition * Compaction * Cementation
Why are sedimentary rocks important in our understanding of Earth’s history?
They contain fossils that provide insights into past life and environments.
