The Rock Cycle Catherine M. http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/ Catherine M.

What is the Rock Cycle? A group of processes through which Earth materials may pass as they are transformed from one major rock type to another. Three Major Rock Types Sedimentary Metamorphic Igneous

How does the Rock Cycle Work? Uplift and Magma dispersement Weathering and Erosion Deposition of material Sedimentary Rock is created Heat + Pressure + Time = Metamorphic Rock More Heat + Pressure = Igneous Rock http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/rock_cycle.html

How is Sedimentary Rock Formed? Quartz Sandstone Shelf Shale (Clay) Sedimentary rock is formed when sediment comes together and bonds either by compaction, cementation or both. There are three types of sedimentary rocks: Clastic – formed by mechanical weathering debris Chemical – formed by dissolved materials in a solution Organic – accumulation of plant or animal debris Each type of sedimentary rock has its own distinct composition, color and texture. Sedimentary rock is the only place where we find fossils. Quartz Sandstone Shelf Shale (Clay) Limestone (crushed shell) http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/fichter/SedRx/SimpModl.html

Sedimentary Rocks Breccia - Clastic Coal - Organic Iron Ore - Chemical Conglomerate - Clastic Sandstone - Castic Rock Salt - Chemical                                                                            http://geology.com/rocks/sedimentary-rocks.shtml

Metamorphic What is a rock ? Metamorphic rock is any rock that has been changed from its original condition by heat, pressure and the chemical activity of fluids, as in marble and slate. This change usually occurs under the Earth’s surface and when conditions are right, heat and pressure cause the mineral composition and/or texture to transform the original rock into a newly formed rock. http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/meta_intro.html

Metamorphism Contact Rocks that are in contact with hot magma or lava often become metamorphosed. This is called contact metamorphism. Contact metamorphism can either happen deep underground or at the Earth's surface. Underground, hot magma, fills areas within the crust; large areas are called batholiths. The hot magma alters the surrounding rocks. The amount of rock that is changed depends on how much magma there is producing heat. Above ground, lava erupting from a volcano alters the rock that it erupts onto. http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/meta_contact.html

Metamorphism Regional Sometimes rocks are metamorphosed over large areas that are the size of many states or even several countries. This is called regional metamorphism. Pieces of the Earth's surface layer (called the lithosphere) crash into each other, rocks are squished and changed deep within mountain ranges. This type of process happens along convergent boundaries. One piece of the lithosphere is pulled below another and the rocks are altered deep underground by the high pressure and temperature. This type of process is referred to as Subduction. http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/meta_regional.html

Metamorphic Rock Slate Gneiss Marble Hornfels Garnet Schist Quartzite Schist (Muscovite)

Igneous Rock Igneous rocks are divided into two groups, based on where the rock forms. Intrusive igneous rocks are formed inside the Earth and extrusive igneous rock are formed when they cool on the surface. http://volcano.und.edu/vwintl/vwintl.html Soufriere Hills, Montserrat

Intrusive Igneous Rock Many kilometers below the Earth’s surface, molten rock called magma flows into cracks or underground chambers. There, the magma sits, cooling very slowly over thousands to millions of years. As it cools, elements combine to form common silicate minerals, the building blocks of igneous rocks. These mineral crystals can grow quite large if space allows and can be seen with the naked eye. There are many different types of intrusive igneous rocks but granite is the most common type. http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/ig_intrusive.html

Intrusive Igneous Rock Granite Gabbro Pegmatite http://www.beg.utexas.edu/mainweb/publications/graphics/granite-400.jpg http://geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml (2)

Extrusive Igneous Rock The molten rock (magma) erupts or flows above the surface as lava, and then cools forming rock. When lava erupts onto the Earth's surface, it cools quickly. If the lava cools in less than a day or two, there is no time for elements to form minerals. Instead, elements are frozen in place within volcanic glass. Often, lava cools over a few days to weeks and minerals have enough time to form but not time to grow into large crystals. Basalt is the most common type of extrusive igneous rock and the most common rock type at the Earth's surface. Stromboli, Italy http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/ig_extrusive.html

Extrusive Igneous Rock Basalt Obsidian Scoria Pumice Welded Tuff http://geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml

The Rock Cycle http://www.msnucleus.org/membership/html/k-6/rc/rocks/6/rcr6_2a.html