Rock Cycle

Types of Rocks Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

Igneous Igneous rock is sometimes referred to as fire rock from its Latin translation 'ignis' which means 'pertaining to fire'. Derived from the cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. Magma is a naturally occurring molten rock material which comes from deep within the Earth's surface. Rises to the surface where it is described as volcanic lava. Granite Basalt Obsidian Pumice

Sedimentary It is generally softer and more porous than igneous and metamorphic rock Sedimentary rock covers as much as 80% of the Earth's surface however only about 5% of the Earth's crust is made up of it It is formed by the process of weathering, erosion, deposition and compaction of other rock and organic materials from the Earth's surface.

Sedimentary cont. Accumulation of these sediments builds up and the resulting pressure compacts or cements these materials together to form layers of new rock. This rock forming through pressure is known as lithification. Limestone Travertine Shale Coal Sandstone

Metamorphic Metamorphic rock is formed by the changing of a pre-existing rock, known as a protolith, into a new rock The protolith, meaning 'first stone' in greek, can be igneous, sedimentary or another metamorphic rock. These changes happen without melting which is a characteristic of igneous rock formation. Its name derives from the Greek 'metamorphosis' meaning 'change in form'. There are three main processes that can create metamorphic rock: High heat and pressure due to the rock being deep below the Earth's surface Friction and distortion created by tectonic plate movements Intrusion of magma which subjects the rock to high heat

Metamorphic cont. Particle sizes in the rock change size during the metamorphism in a process called re-crystallization. High temperatures cause atoms in the crystals to migrate meaning they can re-organize and create new minerals. Foliated Non-foliated Marble Slate Gneiss

Rock Cycle Rock can be changed into any other type of rock This continuous changing and remaking of rocks is called the rock cycle Essentially rocks being recycled into different types much like glass being recycled into different materials

More than one path in the rock cycle