Rock Cycle Flashcard

Front

What is magma?

Back

Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is lava?

Back

Lava is molten rock that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the primary difference between magma and lava?

Back

Magma is molten rock below the Earth's surface, while lava is molten rock above the Earth's surface.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering is the process of physically breaking down rocks into smaller particles.

Front

What geologic process can change granite into gneiss?

Back

Heat and pressure can change granite (igneous rock) into gneiss (metamorphic rock).

Front

How do sedimentary rocks form?

Back

Sedimentary rocks form through a process called lithification, which includes deposition, compaction, and cementation.

Front

What is lithification?

Back

Lithification is the process of turning sediments into sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation.

Front

What is a metamorphic rock?

Back

A metamorphic rock is a rock that has changed form due to heat and pressure.

Front

What is the role of heat in the rock cycle?

Back

Heat can cause rocks to melt into magma or change existing rocks into metamorphic rocks.

Front

What is the role of pressure in the rock cycle?

Back

Pressure can compact sediments into sedimentary rocks or transform existing rocks into metamorphic rocks.