Earth Materials

Formed when lava or magma cools and solidifies. Lava cools quickly and forms rocks with small crystals, while magma cools more slowly and forms rocks with larger crystals.

• Igneous rock

• Plate tectonic theory

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Plate tectonic theory

Molten rock or magma that has reached Earth's surface by volcanic action; characterized by small crystals due to rapid cooling on Earth's surface.

• Lava

• Mineral composition

• Sedimentary rock

• Heat and pressure

• Cementation

Melted or molten rock material beneath Earth's surface; cools slowly to form rocks with larger crystals.

• Magma

• Compaction

• Mineral composition

• Deposition

• Igneous rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Metamorphic rock is formed deep underground where heat and pressure cause existing rocks to be changed in both mineral composition and structural characteristics.

• Metamorphic rock

• Weathering

• Sedimentary rock

• Volcanic eruption

• Mineral composition

The unique combination of solid elements and compounds that make up a mineral.

• Mineral composition

• Mountain

• Lava

• Earth's evolution

• Ocean trench

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Earth's rocks change from one type into another over time due to various Earth processes. Changes occur in mineral compositions and physical structures.

• Rock cycle

• Igneous rock

• Mineral composition

• Sedimentary rock

• Weathering

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Forms when particles of other rocks are deposited in layers and are compacted (crushed together), and cemented (binding of the sediments).

• Sedimentary rock

• Cementation

• Plate tectonic theory

• Mountain

• Rock cycle

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The mechanical or chemical processes that break rocks into smaller pieces, and sometimes change the chemical composition.

• Weathering

• Earth's evolution

• Erosion

• Cementation

• Deposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Events in which molten rock spews out from the mantel to the surface of Earth as ash, lava, and gases; major geological events that occur when a dense plate subducts below a less dense plant.

• Volcanic eruption

• Erosion

• Cementation

• Deposition

• Mountain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which rock sample is most likely a metamorphic rock?

• A

• B

• C

• D