Rock Cycle Flashcard

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes how rocks change from one form to another over time, including the formation, breakdown, and reformation of rocks.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Front

How do igneous rocks form?

Back

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Front

What is sedimentary rock made of?

Back

Sedimentary rock is made of particles (sediments) that have been compacted and cemented together, often containing fossils.

Front

What process leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Back

Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that undergo changes due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological processes.

Front

What role does heat play in the rock cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is significant because it explains how Earth's materials are recycled and how landscapes change over time.

Front

How does sediment become sedimentary rock?

Back

Sediment becomes sedimentary rock through the processes of compaction and cementation.