๐ Topic Summary
The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes how rocks change from one type to another over time. There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava. Sedimentary rocks form from sediments that are compacted and cemented together. Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure. The rock cycle involves processes like weathering, erosion, deposition, melting, and metamorphism that constantly transform rocks.
๐งช Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term to its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Igneous Rock |
a. Rock formed from the compaction and cementation of sediments. |
| 2. Sedimentary Rock |
b. The process where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces. |
| 3. Metamorphic Rock |
c. Rock formed from cooled magma or lava. |
| 4. Weathering |
d. Rock changed by heat and pressure. |
| 5. Erosion |
e. The process of moving weathered material from one place to another. |
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the paragraph using the following words: magma, pressure, sediments, weathering, metamorphic.
The rock cycle is driven by processes inside the Earth and on its surface. __________ breaks down rocks into smaller pieces called __________. These pieces are then transported and eventually form sedimentary rocks. When rocks are subjected to intense heat and __________, they can transform into __________ rocks. Molten rock, known as __________, cools and solidifies to form igneous rocks, restarting the cycle.
๐ Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how plate tectonics is related to the rock cycle.