Earth Materials

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

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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-PS1-1

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

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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

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

• Weathering

• Earth's evolution

• Erosion

• Cementation

• Deposition

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

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which rock sample is most likely a metamorphic rock?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Obsidian, a shiny naturally made volcanic glass, is formed when lava rapidly cools without much time for crystallization to occur. Early civilizations used obsidian to make arrowheads, knives, spear heads, and other weapons and tools. Based on the processes of its formation, obsidian is classified as –

• A

• B

• C

• D