Rock Cycle Notes

The Rock Cycle Similar to the Water Cycle, the Rock Cycle is a never-ending process where rocks undergo physical and chemical changes. Like any cycle, this process is a way to naturally recycle material on Earth. The three main types of rock are Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.

What are the steps of the rock cycle? There are no “starting” or “ending” points for the rock cycle. Material on Earth is recycled into one of three types of rock after physical or chemical changes occur.

Physical vs. Chemical Change Physical change: the physical characteristics change but the chemical composition does not. Example (evaporation): H20 H20 Chemical change: the chemical composition of the material(s) does change. Example (photosynthesis): CO2 + H20 + light energy C6H1206 + 02 (liquid water) (water vapor) (carbon dioxide) (liquid water) (sugar) (oxygen)

Before moving on, we better review physical change Before moving on, we better review physical change! Here’s some examples:

Let’s also look at some examples of chemical change while we’re at it!

Okay, let’s begin learning about the three types of rocks that move through the rock cycle! Here are a few fun facts before we get started. A rock is a solid made up of a bunch of different minerals. Rocks are generally not uniform or made up of exact structures that can be described by scientific formulas. Rocks are classified by how they were made or formed. Depending on the conditions, any type of rock can be in the process of becoming any other type of rock. A rock could remain as one type of rock for a billion years! If a rock moved through the whole cycle in a million years - that would be considered fast!

Igneous Rocks Did you know?? The first rocks on Earth were Igneous Rocks! Any ideas why? The material that makes igneous rocks comes from inside volcanoes. As magma reaches the surface of the Earth, it becomes lava. This lava then cools and hardens to form Igneous rocks. Is the formation of Igneous Rocks a physical or chemical change? Go back and review if needed!

Types of Igneous Rocks Intrusive: forms inside the Earth as magma (molten rock) cools slowly Extrusive: forms outside the Earth as lava cools quickly

Metamorphic Rocks When metamorphic rocks form, they can undergo physical and/or chemical change. Metamorphic rocks come from existing rocks of any type. These rocks form when there is enough heat and/or pressure to change the rock. Did you know??? Metamorphosis means a change in form.

Types of Metamorphic Rocks Non-Foliated: cannot see any layers or stripes Foliated: has visible layers or “stripes” This word is pronounced “nice”!

What type of change is sedimentary rock formation?? Sedimentary Rocks come from the accumulation of sediment. Sediment is pieces of matter such as sand and pebbles, and even organic bits such as plants. Did you know? Fossils are almost entirely found in sedimentary rocks! Why do you think this is?

Sedimentary Rocks: 4 stages of formation

There are 3 types of sedimentary rocks! Clastic/Detrital: Rocks formed when broken pieces of other rocks are squeezed together. Conglomerate Chemical: Rocks formed when minerals that are dissolved in a solution crystalize or when a lake evaporates due to dry climate forming a large mineral deposit. Limestone Organic: Rocks formed when the remains of plants and animals are deposited in layers. Coal

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