Rock Formation & Geological Processes Flashcards
What types of rocks form from magma or lava?
Answer: Igneous rocks form when magma or lava cools and solidifies.
How does weathering contribute to the rock cycle?
Answer: Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles
which can be transported and eventually form sedimentary rocks.
What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?
Answer: Mechanical weathering physically breaks rocks apart
while chemical weathering changes the minerals within rocks.
What processes lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Answer: Sedimentary rocks form from the compaction and cementation of sediment.
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Answer: Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to high pressure and temperature
altering their structure and composition.
What is the law of superposition in geology?
Answer: The law of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers
older layers are found below younger layers.
How can scientists determine the relative ages of rock layers?
Answer: Scientists use principles like superposition
original horizontality
What are index fossils
and how are they used in geology?
