The Rock Cycle was probably the first of Earth's cycles or systemsto be recognized and studied, at least in a qualitative sense. Metamorphism of Continental Igneous Rocks The process by which rocks are worn down by wind and water, creating sediment.Ī deep valley that forms at the edge of a continent when an oceanic plate sinks underneath a continental plate.Introduction Schematic View of Rock Cycle When lava cools, it forms extrusive igneous rock. When magma reaches the surface through a volcano, it is called lava. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that contains fossils.Īn opening in the earth's surface that allows hot magma, ash, and gases to escape from deep below the surface. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock. Together, all these particles are called sediment. One of the three main rock types, formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. The recurring series of events that rocks undergo, over time, that transforms them from one type to another. It can be found near volcanic lava flows. The rocks that result from these processes often have ribbonlike layers and may have shiny crystals on their surface, formed by minerals growing slowly over time.įrom the Greek "to transform," metamorphosis is the change that occurs when rocks under the earth's surface are subjected to intense heat and pressure, turning them into metamorphic rocks.Ī type of extrusive igneous rock, created from lava that cools so quickly that no crystals can form on its surface. One of the three main rock types, formed deep within the earth, where rock material is subjected to intense heat and pressure (squeezing). Melting a rock requires extremely high temperatures, which only occur far beneath the earth's surface. The process that turns any rock into magma. When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava.Ī type of metamorphic rock formed when limestone is pushed down into the earth and subjected to intense heat and pressure for a long period of time. Molten rock that flows beneath the earth's surface and is made up of gases, liquids, and crystals. Hot, molten rock found deep inside the earth. Sometimes the magma cools deep within the earth, and other times it erupts onto the earth's surface from volcanoes (in this case, it is called lava).Ī type of sedimentary rock often found near oceans and lakes. One of the three main rock types, formed from the cooling and hardening of magma. The process that occurs under the earth's surface and turns any kind of rock into metamorphic rock. Gneiss (pronounced "nice") can often be seen on mountainsides, where rocks formed below the surface have been pushed up by movements in the earth's crust. Imprints of leaves, shells, insects, or other items left in rock.Ī type of metamorphic rock that usually has ribbonlike layers. The process by which soil, sediment, and small pieces of rock are carried away from their original locations and transferred elsewhere by the actions of wind, water, ice, or living organisms. The cooling of magma can occur either underneath or on the earth's surface. The process that hardens magma and turns it into igneous rock. Finding a bed of conglomerate is a great clue that a river or beach once existed in that location. Conglomerate is often found in large expanses or beds. Water passing through the spaces in between the particles helps to cement them together even more.Ī type of sedimentary rock made up of pebbles, stones, and smaller particles pressed together by the action of waves or water. This weight presses the sediment particles together, compacting them. Over time, sediment accumulates in oceans, lakes, and valleys, eventually building up in layers and weighing down the material underneath. Basalt is the most common rock type in the earth's crust and makes up most of the ocean floor.Ī process that turns sediment into sedimentary rock.
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