Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

13 Questions, Answers, Explanations and Definition about Rock Cycle

13 Questions, Answers, Explanations and Definition about Rock Cycle- Hello, how are you? in this article we will share about rock cycle. Do you know rock cycle? Happy reading.

13 Questions, Answers, Explanations and Definition about Rock Cycle
13 Questions, Answers, Explanations and Definition about Rock Cycle


Rock Cycle Definition

The rock cycle is a concept that describes how rocks change over time. It describes the different types of rocks and the processes that can change one type of rock into another. The rock cycle is a continuous process that is driven by Earth's internal heat and the movement of tectonic plates, as well as the actions of weathering and erosion.

The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, such as lava or magma. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, such as sand, silt, and clay. Metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemical processes.

Processes that can change one type of rock into another include:

  1. Weathering: the breaking down of rock by physical and chemical processes, such as the action of water, wind, and temperature changes.
  2. Erosion: the movement of weathered rock and sediment by agents such as water, ice, wind, and gravity.
  3. Melting: the heating of rock to the point where it becomes molten, forming magma or lava.
  4. Cooling and solidification: the cooling and solidification of magma or lava to form igneous rock.
  5. Compaction and cementation: the compaction and cementation of sediment to form sedimentary rock.
  6. Metamorphism: the alteration of existing rocks by heat, pressure, and chemical processes to form metamorphic rocks.

Through these process the rock cycle is formed, and the rock that were formed from one process will be subject to another process again, creating a continuous cycle.


Questions, Answers and Explanations

1.Rock that forms when pressure, temperature, or chemical processes change existing rock.

Answer : 

Metamorphic rock is a type of rock that forms when existing rock is subjected to high pressure, high temperatures, or chemical processes. These conditions can cause physical and chemical changes in the rock, such as the recrystallization of minerals or the formation of new minerals. This process is known as metamorphism.

The type of metamorphic rock that forms depends on the type of rock that was present before metamorphism, as well as the specific conditions under which it was metamorphosed. For example, if sandstone is metamorphosed, it may turn into a rock called quartzite, which is characterized by the presence of a high proportion of quartz crystals. Similarly, if limestone is metamorphosed, it may turn into a rock called marble, which is characterized by the presence of large, visibly interlocking crystals.

Some common types of metamorphic rocks include slate, schist, gneiss, amphibolite, and eclogite. These rocks are often found in mountainous regions where tectonic activity has resulted in the formation of high pressure and high temperature environments.

The process of metamorphism can happen in different ways, for example regional metamorphism, which is caused by the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the Earth's crust, or contact metamorphism, which occurs when hot magma or lava comes into contact with existing rock.


2. The process by which water, wind, ice, and changes in temperature BREAK DOWN rock into fragments called sediments.

Answer : 

The process by which water, wind, ice, and changes in temperature break down rock into fragments called sediments is called weathering. Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface. It is a natural process that occurs over time due to the effects of the environment on the rock. Weathering can be physical or chemical in nature, and can occur through a variety of processes such as water erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical reactions. Physical weathering occurs when rock is broken down by the mechanical forces of water, wind, and ice, while chemical weathering occurs when rock is broken down by chemical reactions with water and air. The result of weathering is the formation of smaller fragments of rock or minerals called sediments, which can then be transported and deposited by wind, water, or ice.


3. A metamorphic rock can become

Answer :

A metamorphic rock can become another type of metamorphic rock or even an igneous or sedimentary rock through the process of metamorphism. The specific type of rock that forms depends on the type of rock that was present before metamorphism, as well as the specific conditions (such as pressure and temperature) under which it was metamorphosed. For example, a metamorphic rock can become another metamorphic rock with different mineral composition and textures, or it can become an igneous rock through partial melting and solidification or it can become a sedimentary rock through erosion and weathering. The process of metamorphism can also change the physical and chemical properties of the rock, such as its density, porosity, and strength.


4. This rock was formed by smaller pieces of rock that settled at the bottom of a lake millions of years ago. What type of rock is this?

Answer :

It is a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and consolidation of small fragments of rock, called sediment, that have been transported and deposited by wind, water, or ice. The sedimentary rock that forms depends on the type of sediment that is present and the conditions under which it is deposited. The sedimentary rock formed at the bottom of a lake is commonly called limestone, which is mostly made up of calcium carbonate, the mineral that forms from the accumulation of shells, corals, and other organic material. Some other examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, and conglomerate. These rocks often contain visible layers or strata, which can provide information about the environment in which they were formed.


5. This rock was found near the mouth of a volcano. What type of rock is this? 

Answer :

Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava, and are typically found near volcanic areas. The specific type of igneous rock that forms depends on the composition of the magma or lava, as well as the conditions under which it solidifies.

When magma or lava cools and solidifies quickly on or near the Earth's surface, it forms an extrusive igneous rock. These rocks are also called volcanic rocks, and they have a fine-grained or glassy texture because the crystals have not had time to grow. Some examples of extrusive igneous rocks are basalt, andesite and rhyolite. Basalt is a dark-colored rock that is common near volcanic regions, it is rich in iron and magnesium, and it's the most common rock in the Earth's oceanic crust. Andesite is an intermediate rock between basalt and rhyolite, it is also common near volcanic regions, and it's composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and hornblende. Rhyolite is a light-colored rock, it is rich in silica, and it's less common than basalt and andesite.

When magma or lava cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface, it forms an intrusive igneous rock. These rocks have a coarse-grained texture because the crystals have had time to grow. Some examples of intrusive igneous rocks are granite, diorite and gabbro. Granite is a light-colored rock that is composed mainly of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It's often found in the continental crust, and it's a common rock in the Earth's continental crust. Diorite is an intermediate rock between granite and gabbro, it is composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and hornblende. Gabbro is a dark-colored rock, it is rich in iron and magnesium, and it's less common than granite and diorite.

It's important to note that the characteristics of the rock can vary depending on the location of the volcano, and the specific conditions under which it formed, such as the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the magma or lava. An expert geologist would need to examine the rock to determine its specific type and origin.


6. An igneous rock containing large crystals is most likely

Answer :

An igneous rock containing large crystals is most likely an intrusive igneous rock. Intrusive igneous rocks form when magma or lava cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface. This slow cooling allows for the formation of large crystals, as the mineral compounds have more time to grow and develop.

Examples of intrusive igneous rocks that are known for their large crystals include granite and pegmatite. Granite is a light-colored rock that is composed mainly of feldspar, quartz, and mica and often has visible large crystals. Pegmatite is a very coarse-grained igneous rock, composed mainly of feldspar and quartz with sometimes large visible crystals. These rocks are often found in the continental crust.

On the other hand, extrusive igneous rocks, also called volcanic rocks, form when magma or lava cools and solidifies quickly on or near the Earth's surface. These rocks typically have a fine-grained or glassy texture because the crystals do not have enough time to grow.


7. You find a rock in which the grains are arranged in parallel bands of white and black crystals.  The rock is probably

Answer :

Metamorphic rock called schist. Schist is a medium- to coarse-grained metamorphic rock that is characterized by a distinct layering or banding of minerals, typically with parallel alignment of the grains. The layering is often caused by the alignment of platy or elongated minerals such as mica, chlorite, or talc during the metamorphic process. The white and black crystals you described could be indicative of the presence of light-colored minerals such as feldspar or quartz, and dark-colored minerals such as biotite or hornblende.

Schist is formed by the alteration of existing rock through heat, pressure, and chemical processes, and the specific minerals present depend on the original rock that was altered. Schist is often formed from shale or mudstone, but it can also be formed from other rocks such as granite or gneiss.

It's important to note that this is just a possibility, other types of metamorphic rocks such as gneiss, phyllite, and slate may also have parallel banding of minerals and it's best to do a detailed analysis of the rock to identify the specific type.


8. As lava cools and crystallizes, what type of rock will form? 

Answer :

As lava cools and crystallizes, igneous rock will form. Igneous rock is formed when molten rock (magma or lava) solidifies and crystallizes. The rate at which the lava cools and solidifies can greatly influence the structure and composition of the resulting igneous rock. For example, if lava cools quickly on the Earth's surface, such as during a volcanic eruption, the resulting rock will have a fine-grained structure with small crystals. This type of rock is called aphanitic. On the other hand, if lava cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, the resulting rock will have a coarse-grained structure with large crystals. This type of rock is called phaneritic. The minerals that are present in the lava will also influence the composition of the resulting igneous rock. For example, basalts and andesites are common types of dark-colored igneous rocks that form from lava, while granites and diorites are light-colored igneous rocks that form from magma.


9. Fossils are only found in 

Answer :

Fossils are mostly found in sedimentary rock, as these rocks form from the accumulation of sediment, such as sand, mud, and dead plants and animals. When these materials are buried, they can become compacted and cemented together over time, forming rock. If an organism becomes buried in this sediment before it has a chance to decompose, it can be preserved as a fossil. Fossils can also be found in some types of metamorphic rocks, which form from the alteration of pre-existing rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemical processes.

It is worth noting that fossils can also be found in some types of igneous rocks, but this is rare, as the conditions required for fossilization to occur are not typically present when magma solidifies to form igneous rocks.


10. As lava cools and crystallizes, what type of rock will form?

Answer :

As lava cools and crystallizes, an igneous rock will form. Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma or lava) solidifies and crystallizes. The rate at which the lava cools and solidifies can greatly influence the structure and composition of the resulting igneous rock. For example, if lava cools quickly on the Earth's surface, such as during a volcanic eruption, the resulting rock will have a fine-grained structure with small crystals. This type of rock is called aphanitic. On the other hand, if lava cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, the resulting rock will have a coarse-grained structure with large crystals. This type of rock is called phaneritic. The minerals that are present in the lava will also influence the composition of the resulting igneous rock, such as basalt, granite, andesite and rhyolite.


11. Sedimentary rock type made from bits of minerals and other Earth material that were weathered and moved is _?

Answer :

Sedimentary rock made from bits of minerals and other Earth material that were weathered and moved is called clastic sedimentary rock. Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compression of rock fragments, also known as clasts, that have been weathered and transported by agents of erosion such as wind, water or ice. These rock fragments can range in size from clay particles to large boulders and can include a variety of different minerals and rock types. Examples of clastic sedimentary rocks include sandstone, mudstone, siltstone and conglomerate.


12. Small pieces of rock are also called

Answer: 

Small pieces of rock are also called clasts or fragments. In the context of geology, clasts refer to individual pieces or fragments of rock that have been transported and deposited by natural processes such as erosion, weathering, and sedimentation. Clasts can be of various sizes, from small mineral grains to large boulders, and can be made of different types of rock, such as igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compression of clasts, and the size and composition of the clasts can provide important information about the depositional environment and tectonic setting of the rock formation.


13.The process of layers become stuck together forming sedimentary rocks

Answer :

The process by which layers become stuck together to form sedimentary rocks is called lithification. This process typically involves a combination of compaction and cementation.

Compaction is the process by which the sediment particles are squeezed together by the weight of overlying layers. As sediment is deposited, the weight of the overlying layers can cause the sediment to compact and become denser. This can happen both through mechanical means, such as the grains being pressed together, and through chemical means, such as the water being squeezed out of the pores between the grains.

Cementation is the process by which dissolved minerals in groundwater precipitate out and cement the sediment particles together. As groundwater moves through the sediment, it can pick up dissolved minerals such as silica, calcite, and iron oxide. When the groundwater reaches the surface and evaporates, the dissolved minerals will precipitate out and cement the sediment particles together.

The end result of compaction and cementation is a solid rock that can be composed of different types of sedimentary particles, depending on the depositional environment. For example, sandstone is a sedimentary rock made up primarily of sand-sized particles that have been cemented together, while shale is a sedimentary rock made up primarily of clay-sized particles that have been compacted and cemented together.

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and compaction of sediment, followed by cementation that binds the sediment together to form rock. The depositional environment, such as river, lake, ocean, and desert, plays a critical role in the formation of sedimentary rocks, as well as the type of sediment that is deposited.

Sedimentary rocks cover a large percentage of the Earth's surface and are an important resource for many industries such as oil and gas, construction, and agriculture. They also contain important information about the Earth's past environments and can be used to study the Earth's history.


Rock Cycle : 13 Questions Exercise


1. Rock that forms when pressure, temperature, or chemical processes change existing rock.

A Sedimentary Rock

B Igneous Rock

C Rock Cycle

D Metamorphic Rock


2. The process by which water, wind, ice, and changes in temperature BREAK DOWN rock into fragments called sediments.

A  Igneous Rock

B Erosion

C Weathering

D Deposition


3. A metamorphic rock can become ______.

A metamorphic

B sedimentary

C igneous

D all of these


4. This rock was formed by smaller pieces of rock that settled at the bottom of a lake millions of years ago. What type of rock is this?



A Igneous

B Metamorphic

C Sedimentary


5. This rock was found near the mouth of a volcano. What type of rock is this?



A Igneous

B Sedimentary

C Metamorphic


6. An igneous rock containing large crystals is most likely a(n)

A Intrusive Rock

B Extrusive Rock

C Chemical Rock

D Foliated Rock


7. You find a rock in which the grains are arranged in parallel bands of white and black crystals.  The rock is probably a(n)

A Igneous rock

B Sedimentary rock

C Metamorphic rock

D Extrusive rock


8. As lava cools and crystallizes, what type of rock will form?

A Extrusive Igneous

B Metamorphic

C Intrusive Igneous

D Sedimentary


9. Fossils are only found in

A Sedimentary rocks

B Nonfoliated Metamorphic rocks

C Foliated Metamorphic rocks

D Igneous Rocks


10. As lava cools and crystallizes, what type of rock will form?

A Intrusive Igneous

B Sedimentary

C Metamorphic

D Extrusive Igneous


11. Sedimentary rock type made from bits of minerals and other Earth material that were weathered and moved is _?_ sedimentary rock.

A clastic

B chemical

C organic 


12. Small pieces of rock are also called

A coal

B sediment

C organic matter

D erosion


13. The process of layers become stuck together forming sedimentary rocks



A deposition

B pressuring

C cementation

D sticking


Answer Key

1.d

2.c

3.d

4.c

5.a

6.a

7.c

8.a

9.a

10.d

11.a

12.b 

13.c 


Download the Exercise : LINK

Post a Comment for "13 Questions, Answers, Explanations and Definition about Rock Cycle"