1. Integrated Science C Mrs. Brostrom
The Rock Cycle
Integrated Science C
Mrs. Brostrom

2. Objective:
Explain how internal energy of Earth causes matter to cycle through magma and the solid Earth

3. Earth’s Interior The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth.
Beneath the crust lies the denser mantle, which makes up ~80% of Earth’s volume.
The center of Earth, the core, is made up of Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni).

4. Plate Tectonics
The lithosphere is made up of the crust and upper mantle
~100km thick
Made up of 7 tectonic plates
The theory describing the movement of the plates is called plate tectonics.

5. Convection Currents
Scientists suggest that the plates move due to convection currents in the asthenosphere
Plates of the lithosphere “float” on top of the asthenosphere
The molten rock circulates by convection
3 Types of plate boundaries
Divergent- occurs where 2 plates move apart, creates lithosphere
Convergent- occurs where 2 plates come together, destroys lithosphere
Subduction- the lithosphere of a denser oceanic plate sinks into the mantle below a less dense continental plate

6. Minerals
All rocks are composed of minerals- have a definite crystal structure
Ex.) Quartz
More than 4,000 known minerals
Only about 20% are common- feldspar, mica, olivine, pyroxene, dolomite, quartz, amphibole, calcite
Combinations of minerals result in a rock with unique properties

7. Types of Rocks
Rock divisions occur in three major families based on how they formed: 
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Each group contains a collection of rock types that differ from each other
Size, shape, and arrangement of mineral grains.
The sequence of events in which rocks can be weathered, melted, altered, and formed is called the rock cycle.

8. Igneous Rocks When molten rock cools it forms igneous rocks
Magma loses heat, it cools and crystallizes into an igneous rock
The faster he cooling time the smaller the crystals
Intrusive (Earth’s interior)
Extrusive (Earth’s surface)

9. Weathering The process by which rocks break down is called weathering
Physical
Chemical
Erosion is the process in which Materials of Earth’s surface are loosened, transported and transported

10. Sedimentary Rocks
As pieces of rock accumulate they form sedimentary rock
Layers of sediment can be compressed from the weight above them
Minerals dissolved in water seep between bits of sediment and “glue” them together

11. Metamorphic Rocks
Any rock can become a metamorphic rock, a rock that forms from other rocks as a result of heat, pressure, or chemical processes
Rocks are buried deep in the Earth at high temperatures and pressures, they form new minerals and textures all without melting
If melting occurs, magma is formed, starting the rock cycle all over again.