ROCKS Flashcards
What are the three main types of rocks?
Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.
How are Igneous rocks formed?
They form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Examples of Igneous rocks
Granite, Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice.
What are the two types of Igneous rocks?
Intrusive (plutonic) and Extrusive (volcanic).
Characteristics of Intrusive Igneous rocks
Formed inside the Earth, cools slowly, large crystals (e.g., Granite).
Characteristics of Extrusive Igneous rocks
Formed on the Earth’s surface, cools quickly, small or no crystals (e.g., Basalt, Obsidian).
How are Sedimentary rocks formed?
They form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments over time.
Examples of Sedimentary rocks
Sandstone, Limestone, Shale, Conglomerate.
What are the three types of Sedimentary rocks?
Clastic, Chemical, and Organic.
Characteristics of Clastic Sedimentary rocks
Formed from broken fragments of other rocks (e.g., Sandstone).
Characteristics of Chemical Sedimentary rocks
Formed from dissolved minerals precipitating from water (e.g., Limestone).
Characteristics of Organic Sedimentary rocks
Formed from the remains of plants and animals (e.g., Coal).
How are Metamorphic rocks formed?
They form from existing rocks undergoing heat and pressure without melting.
Examples of Metamorphic rocks
Marble, Slate, Schist, Gneiss.
What are the two types of Metamorphism?
Regional (large-scale pressure) and Contact (heat from magma/lava).
What are the two types of Metamorphic rocks?
Foliated and Non-Foliated.
Characteristics of Foliated Metamorphic rocks
Have layered or banded appearance due to pressure (e.g., Schist, Gneiss).
Characteristics of Non-Foliated Metamorphic rocks
No visible layers or bands, usually formed from heat (e.g., Marble, Quartzite).
What is the Rock Cycle?
A continuous process where rocks change from one type to another over time through heat, pressure, and weathering.
How can Igneous rocks become Sedimentary?
Through weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.
How can Sedimentary rocks become Metamorphic?
Through heat and pressure deep within the Earth.
How can Metamorphic rocks become Igneous?
By melting into magma and cooling to form new Igneous rock.
Which rock type contains fossils?
Sedimentary rocks.
Why don’t Igneous and Metamorphic rocks contain fossils?
Because high heat and pressure destroy organic material.
What is Weathering?
The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by natural forces like wind, water, and temperature changes.
What is Erosion?
The movement of rock particles by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
What is Deposition?
The settling of sediments in a new location.
What is Lithification?
The process of turning sediments into solid rock through compaction and cementation.
What is an example of an economic use of rocks?
Granite for buildings, Marble for sculptures, Coal for fuel, Limestone for cement.
