Rocks and The Rock Cycle SC.7.E.6.2 – Identify the patterns within the rock cycle and relate them to surface events and sub-surface events.

What is a rock? Naturally occurring solid mixture composed of minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, or glass.

Liquid Rock?! Rock deep below the surface melts due to intense heat Magma – melted rock material below the surface Lava – melted rock material above the surface

Igneous Rocks Most abundant on Earth Formed when magma/lava cools and crystallizes Larger grains indicate cooling below the surface (intrusive) Smaller grains indicate cooling above the surface (extrusive) Faster cooling = fewer grains (obsidian)

Sediment Sediment is fragments of rock eroded away from exposed rock surfaces due to weathering processes from wind, water, or ice Deposition is when sediment is laid down in a new location.

Sedimentary Rock Layers of sediment build up on top of one another over time, compacting the lower layers Dissolved minerals cement the grains together These processes are called Lithification.

Metamorphic Rock Form deep within the Earth due to intense heat and pressure (not melted) Formed from other types of rocks “metamorphosis” – change in appearance or condition Exposed to surface due to uplift

The Rock Cycle

The Rock Cycle

The Rock Cycle