Rock Cycle Notes

Rock – earth material made up of minerals and organic matter (remains of once living organisms) Rock Cycle – a continuous process by which rocks are created, changed from one form to another, destroyed, and then formed again.

3 Types of Rocks Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

Igneous Rocks Formed from molten material (magma) Classification: Extrusive or Intrusive Extrusive igneous rock- comes out of a volcano, has small crystal grains because it cools QUICKLY Intrusive igneous rock- does not come out of the crust/underground, cools SLOWLY so crystals have to form and grow

EXAMPLES Extrusive Igneous Rock Intrusive Igneous Rock (Obsidian) (Granite)

Weathering, Erosion, & Deposition Weathering – break down of rocks Erosion – process in which rocks are transported from one location to another location by wind, water, or ice Deposition – geological process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or landmass

Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks can be worn away by water and wind (weathering). Erosion is where the weathered bits are carried away. Deposition occurs when the weathered bits are dropped.

Sedimentary Rocks the weathered bits are carried away by water and are dropped out as the water flows. The biggest particles drop out first. This is how sediments build up and accumulate. Lithification – process by which sediments compact under pressure to form rock Sedimentary rocks form from the compaction and cementation of sediments and weathered rocks

Metamorphic Rocks Formed by heat and pressure Can occur at subduction zones or in close proximity to a magma chamber Recrystallization - change in the texture (appearance of rock) because of increased temperature and pressure Classification: Regional and Contact Metamorphism

Metamorphic Rocks Regional Metamorphism – caused by high temperature and high pressure with deep burial Contact Metamorphism – Caused by high temperature only near igneous intrusions/magma chambers

Contact Metamorphism Regional Metamorphism