Download The Rock Cycle and Weathering Internet Search

The Rock Cycle and Weathering Internet Search
Grade 8 Earth Science
Mr. Geoffroy
Name:
Section:
Date:
Introduction
In this Internet search you will explore the rock cycle and weathering. Through this activity you
will learn about the three types of rock, the processes involved in the rock cycle, and the
relationship between climate and the various types of mechanical and chemical weathering. The
links are available on the “Links” area of my web page. You must answer in full sentences and
restate the question as part of your answer.
Part 1: The Rock Cycle
Go to http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/rocks_intro.html&edu=high and
answer the following questions. Be sure to click on each type of rock in the rock cycle diagram.
1. How are igneous rocks formed?
2. What is the difference between an intrusive igneous rock and an extrusive igneous rock?
3. What percentage of the rocks of the Earth’s surface are sedimentary rocks?
4. What do sedimentary rocks preserve?
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5. What are clastic sedimentary rocks?
6. What are the four steps involved in making a clastic sedimentary rock?
7. How are metamorphic rocks formed?
8. What is the relationship between plate tectonics and the formation of metamorphic rocks?
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Part 2: Weathering
Go to
http://as17.as.uky.edu/academics/departments_programs/EarthEnvironmentalSciences/EarthEnvi
ronmentalSciences/Educational%20Materials/Documents/elearning/module07swf.swf and
answer the following questions. Be sure to click Next through the entire animation, and use the
black up and down arrows on the scroll bar on the right panel.
9. What is the relationship between weathering and soil?
10. What type of climate enhances chemical weathering?
11. How does mechanical weathering help to speed up chemical weathering?
12. In what type of climate is frost wedging most effective?
13. Where is frost wedging most likely to occur?
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14. In what type of rock does exfoliation occur most often?
15. Are rocks good conductors of heat?
16. In what type of environment does crystal growth occur?
17. Where does mechanical weathering by tree root growth occur most frequently?
18. Describe what occurs when you click “Grow” on the “Mechanical Weathering—Tree Roots”
page.
19. Oxidation commonly occurs in rocks that contain what metal?
20. In what type of climate does oxidation occur most often?
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