Types of Rocks and Geological Processes

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A type of rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava.

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Igneous

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A type of rock formed when existing rock is subjected to high heat, pressure, or chemical processes, causing physical and chemical changes.

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Metamorphic

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A type of rock formed from the accumulation and compression of sediments, often layered and containing fossils.

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Sedimentary

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Igneous rock formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite).

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Intrusive

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Igneous rock formed when lava cools quickly on the Earth's surface, producing fine-grained or glassy textures (e.g., basalt).

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Extrusive

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A type of sedimentary rock made from fragments (clasts) of other rocks compacted and cemented together (e.g., sandstone).

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Clastic Sedimentary Rock

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A type of sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plants and animals (e.g., coal, limestone from shells).

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Organic Sedimentary Rock

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A type of sedimentary rock formed from minerals that precipitate from water solutions (e.g., rock salt, limestone).

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Chemical Sedimentary Rock

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The process of metamorphism occurring when rocks are heated by nearby magma or lava, altering their structure and composition without high pressure.

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Contact Metamorphism

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Metamorphism that occurs over large areas due to intense pressure and heat, often associated with mountain-building.

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Regional Metamorphism