The Rock Cycle Flashcards
What is weathering?
Weathering is when rocks are broken down into smaller particles called sediments.
What are the categories of rock?
- Igneous rock
- Metamorphic rock
- Sedimentary rock
What are the different types of weathering?
- Physical weathering
- Chemical weathering
What is physical weathering?
Physical weathering occurs when a rock is broken into smaller pieces by the action of wind, water and other sediments. No new minerals are formed, existing minerals are just broken into smaller pieces. Therefore, it is a physical, not chemical, change.
What is chemical weathering?
Chemical weathering occurs when the minerals within a rock react with water, oxygen or acids in the environment forming new minerals. Because new minerals are formed, this is a chemical change.
What is a sediment?
Sediments are individual grains of minerals which are no longer joined together in a solid rock.
What are the different types of sediment size?
- Gravel
- Sand
- Silt
- Clay
What is erosion?
Sediments can be picked up and moved by wind, water and ice. This is called erosion.
What is metamorphism?
When rocks are subject to heat and pressure within the Earth, they can change shape, and the minerals in them may even change. This is called metamorphism.
What is melting?
As metamorphic rocks get hotter and hotter, they may even melt! Molten rock is called magma (or lava when it is at the surface).
What is an igneous rock?
When magma is cooled, it crystallises into rocks called igneous rocks.
What are the different types of igneous rock?
- Intrusive
- Extrusive
What is an intrusive igneous rock?
When magma cools slowly underground, it forms intrusive igneous rocks. These tend to have larger crystals.
What is an extrusive igneous rock?
When lava erupts to the surface, it cools quickly and forms extrusive igneous rocks. These tend to have smaller crystals.
