Rock Cycle Flashcards
Igneous Rock
Igneous rock, or magmatic rock, is one of the three main rock types, the others being sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. The magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in either a planet’s mantle or crust.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms. They form from deposits that accumulate on the Earth’s surface. Sedimentary rocks often have distinctive layering or bedding.
Metamorphic Rock
A Metamorphic rock is caused by metamorphism to another rock. The original rock is subjected to temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C and, often, elevated pressure, causing profound physical or chemical changes.
Crystallization
Crystallization or crystallisation is the process by which a solid forms, where the atoms or molecules are highly organized into a structure known as a crystal.
Lithification
Lithification is the process in which sediments compact under pressure, expel connate fluids, and gradually become solid rock.
Sediment
Sediment is a naturally occurring material that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion, and is subsequently transported by the action of wind, water, or ice or by the force of gravity acting on the particles.
Deposition
Deposition is the laying down of sediment carried by wind, water, or ice. Sediment can be transported as pebbles, sand & mud, or as salts dissolved in water. Salts may later be deposited by organic activity.
Weathering
Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering
Erosion
Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.
