This worksheet provides a thorough exploration of the rock cycle, complete with diagrams and answers to reinforce learning. Understanding the rock cycle is crucial for grasping fundamental geological processes. This resource is designed for students, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about Earth's dynamic systems.
What is the Rock Cycle?
The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes the transformation of rocks from one type to another over geological time. It's driven by internal (plate tectonics, magma generation) and external (weathering, erosion) processes. Understanding this cycle is key to interpreting Earth's history and predicting future geological events.
Types of Rocks
Before diving into the cycle, let's review the three main types of rocks:
1. Igneous Rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma (molten rock) or lava.
- Intrusive Igneous Rocks: Cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite).
- Extrusive Igneous Rocks: Cool rapidly at or near the Earth's surface, resulting in small crystals or glassy textures (e.g., basalt, obsidian).
2. Sedimentary Rocks: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments (fragments of other rocks, minerals, or organic matter).
- Clastic Sedimentary Rocks: Composed of fragments of pre-existing rocks (e.g., sandstone, shale).
- Chemical Sedimentary Rocks: Formed from the precipitation of minerals from solution (e.g., limestone).
- Organic Sedimentary Rocks: Formed from the accumulation of organic matter (e.g., coal).
3. Metamorphic Rocks: Formed from the transformation of existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) due to heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids.
- Foliated Metamorphic Rocks: Exhibit a layered or banded texture due to the alignment of minerals (e.g., slate, schist, gneiss).
- Non-foliated Metamorphic Rocks: Do not exhibit a layered texture (e.g., marble, quartzite).
The Rock Cycle Diagram & Worksheet Questions (with Answers)
(Insert a labeled diagram of the rock cycle here. The diagram should clearly show the transitions between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks via processes like melting, cooling, weathering, erosion, deposition, cementation, metamorphism, and uplift.)
Worksheet Questions:
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What are the three main types of rocks?
Answer: Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
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How are igneous rocks formed? Give an example of an intrusive and an extrusive igneous rock.
Answer: Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Granite is an example of an intrusive igneous rock, while basalt is an example of an extrusive igneous rock.
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Describe the process of forming sedimentary rocks.
Answer: Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, which are fragments of other rocks, minerals, or organic matter. This involves weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification (compaction and cementation).
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What conditions cause metamorphism?
Answer: Metamorphism is caused by heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids.
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What is the difference between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks? Give an example of each.
Answer: Foliated metamorphic rocks exhibit a layered or banded texture due to the alignment of minerals (e.g., schist). Non-foliated metamorphic rocks do not exhibit a layered texture (e.g., marble).
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Can a metamorphic rock become an igneous rock? Explain how.
Answer: Yes. If a metamorphic rock is subjected to high enough temperatures, it will melt, forming magma. This magma can then cool and solidify to form an igneous rock.
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Explain how a sedimentary rock can be transformed into a metamorphic rock.
Answer: Sedimentary rocks can be transformed into metamorphic rocks through the process of metamorphism. This occurs when sedimentary rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust.
Conclusion
This worksheet provides a basic understanding of the rock cycle. Further exploration into specific rock types, geological processes, and the intricate details of plate tectonics will deepen your understanding of this fundamental Earth system. Remember, the rock cycle is a continuous and dynamic process that shapes our planet's surface and provides valuable insights into Earth's history.
