Chapter 6: The Rock Cycle Flashcards
mineral
A solid nonliving substance that occurs naturally in rocks or in the ground.
rock
A solid substance made of one or more minerals.
igneous
A type of rock that forms from melted rock that cools and hardens.
sedimentary
A type of rock that forms when layers of sediment are pressed together.
metamorphic
A type of rock that forms when heat or pressure change an existing rock.
rock cycle
The sequence of processes that change rocks from one type to another over long periods.
weathering
The breaking down of rocks on Earth’s surface into smaller pieces.
erosion
The process of moving sediment from one place to another.
humus
The remains of decayed plants or animals in the soil.
horizon
A layer in the soil.
bedrock
The solid rock that forms Earth’s surface.
sand
The largest particles that make up soil.
clay
The smallest particles that make up soil.
