The three rock types, the rock cycle, and mineral identification from an intro geology course.
41 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What are the three main categories of rocks?
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
- How do igneous rocks form?
- From the cooling and crystallization of magma or lava
- What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
- Intrusive cool slowly underground (coarse crystals); extrusive cool quickly at the surface (fine crystals)
- Name a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock
- Granite
- Name a fine-grained extrusive igneous rock
- Basalt
- How do sedimentary rocks form?
- From compaction and cementation of sediment at the surface
- What is the rock cycle?
- The continuous process by which rocks form, break down, and reform over geological time
- What process breaks rocks into smaller pieces at Earth's surface without transport?
- Weathering
- Distinguish physical weathering from chemical weathering
- Physical weathering breaks rock apart without changing mineral composition; chemical weathering alters mineral composition
- What process transports weathered rock material from one place to another?
- Erosion
- What is deposition in the rock cycle?
- The dropping or settling of sediment in a new location
- What is compaction in sedimentary rock formation?
- The pressing and consolidation of sediment by the weight of overlying material
- What is cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
- The binding together of sediment grains by minerals precipitated from groundwater
- Name a common clastic sedimentary rock formed from sand-sized grains
- Sandstone
- Name a chemical sedimentary rock formed by precipitation
- Limestone