1. 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.

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. The Rock Cycle

9. The Rock Cycle

10. The Rock Cycle