The Rock Cycle

Front

What is a metamorphic rock?

Back

A metamorphic rock is formed at great depths when intense heat and pressure squeeze sedimentary rock.

Front

What is a rock?

Back

A rock is a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.

Front

How is sedimentary rock formed?

Back

Sedimentary rock is formed when grains of sediment are compacted and cemented together.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Magma is a hot liquid that forms when rock melts.

Front

What is intrusive igneous rock?

Back

Intrusive igneous rock forms when magma pushes into surrounding rock below Earth's surface and cools into coarse-grained crystals.

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is the process by which rock forms, changes from one type to another, is destroyed, and forms again.

Front

What processes break down rocks?

Back

Water, wind, ice, and heat break down rocks.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small particles of rock, minerals, or organic material that can be transported by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Back

Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools below the Earth's surface, while extrusive igneous rocks form from lava that erupts onto the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the role of pressure in the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Back

Pressure causes the minerals in sedimentary rocks to realign and form new minerals, resulting in metamorphic rocks.