Rock Cycle Quiz

What process describes the formation of igneous rock?

• Compaction and cementation

• Cooling and hardening of magma or lava

• High temperature and pressure applied to existing rock

• Collection and lithification of sediments

Answer explanation

Igneous rocks form through the cooling and hardening of magma or lava, making this the correct process for their formation.

Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface?

• Sedimentary rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Igneous rock

• Limestone

Answer explanation

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What is the main process that forms sedimentary rocks?

• Melting

• Cooling

• Compaction and cementation

• High temperature and pressure

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed through the processes of compaction and cementation, where sediments are pressed together and solidified by minerals binding them together.

Metamorphic rocks are formed by:

• Cooling and hardening of lava

• Compaction and cementation of sediments

• High temperature and pressure altering existing rock

• Melting rock into magma

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rocks are formed by high temperature and pressure altering existing rock, causing recrystallization without melting.

Which process is responsible for breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles?

• Compaction

• Cementation

• Weathering and erosion

• Cooling and hardening

Answer explanation

Weathering and erosion are the processes responsible for breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles by physical, chemical, or biological means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The movement of sediments from one place to another is called:

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Compaction

• Cementation

Answer explanation

Erosion is the movement of sediments from one place to another, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is NOT a step in the rock cycle?

• Melting of rock into magma

• Photosynthesis

• Compaction and cementation of sediments

• High temperature and pressure forming metamorphic rock

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Photosynthesis' as it is not a step in the rock cycle, which involves geological processes, not biological processes like photosynthesis.

What is magma called when it reaches the Earth's surface?

• Lava

• Sediment

• Metamorphic fluid

• Igneous rock

Answer explanation

When magma reaches the Earth's surface, it is called lava. Therefore, the correct choice is lava.

The process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight is known as:

• Cementation

• Compaction

• Melting

• Erosion

Answer explanation

Compaction is the process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight, leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Which type of rock could be formed directly from lava that cools and hardens on the Earth's surface?

• Sedimentary rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Igneous rock

• Quartz

Answer explanation

Igneous rock is formed directly from lava that cools and hardens on the Earth's surface.