Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock formation and the rock cycle process for a middle school earth science course.
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- What is the rock cycle?
- The continuous process that transforms rocks from one type to another through geological processes.
- Name the three main types of rocks.
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
- What energy source drives the rock cycle?
- Heat from Earth's interior and energy from the sun.
- Can rocks change from one type into another?
- Yes, through processes like melting, cooling, heating, and pressure.
- What are igneous rocks formed from?
- Molten rock (magma or lava) that cools and solidifies.
- What is the difference between magma and lava?
- Magma is molten rock beneath Earth's surface; lava is molten rock erupted onto the surface.
- What are extrusive igneous rocks?
- Igneous rocks that form from lava cooling quickly on Earth's surface.
- What are intrusive igneous rocks?
- Igneous rocks that form from magma cooling slowly beneath Earth's surface.
- Why are intrusive igneous rocks coarse-grained?
- Slow cooling deep underground allows large mineral crystals to form.
- Why are extrusive igneous rocks fine-grained?
- Rapid cooling on the surface prevents large mineral crystals from forming.
- What is granite?
- A coarse-grained igneous rock formed from magma cooling slowly beneath the surface.
- What is basalt?
- A fine-grained, dark igneous rock formed from lava cooling quickly on the surface.
- What is pumice?
- A light, porous extrusive igneous rock with so many air pockets it can float on water.
- What is obsidian?
- A shiny, dark glassy extrusive igneous rock that cools so quickly no crystals form.
- What are sedimentary rocks made from?
- Compressed and cemented fragments of other rocks and minerals (sediment).