Download Name: Date: Earth`s Surface: The Rock Cycle (Section 3.1) Most

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Earth’s Surface: The Rock Cycle (Section 3.1)
Most rocks are made of minerals
1. Define rock: A rock is a naturally formed solid that is usually made up of one or more types
of minerals.
2. Name two facts about rocks:
1. structure of rocks are different from minerals
2. minerals in a rock can be all jumbled together
3. proportions of different minerals in a particular kind of rock may vary
3. What are two examples of rocks that are not made up of minerals? What are these rocks
made of?
Obsidian and coal are two rocks not made of minerals. Obsidian is made of natural glass, and
coal is made of the remains of ancient plants.
Our World is built of rocks.
5. People use rocks for many different purposes, name three of them.
Rocks are used for building houses, skyscrapers and other buildings. Rocks are used for ores
for metals. Statues and other artwork can be carved from rocks. Rocks can be used as a base
for pavement for roads and highways.
6. Why do people value rocks? People value rocks because rocks last a long time and because
some are beautiful.
7. Why do people study rocks? People study rocks to learn how areas have changed over a
period of time.
Rocks change as they move through the rock cycle
8. How do rocks change? Over time, rocks form, change, break down and re-form.
9. What are the three types of rocks? Describe how each rock forms.
Igneous rocks form when molten rock cools and becomes solid. Igneous rocks can form within
the Earth or it can form on the Earth’s surface.
Sedimentary rocks form when pieces of older rocks, plants and other loose material get
pressed or cemented together.
Metamorphic rocks form when heat or pressure causes older rocks to change into new types
of rocks.
10. Using the example of the diagram on page 79 (The Rock Cycle), please draw the rock cycle
below with all the labels and arrows. (Remember the more detail, the better you will be for the
test!)
See page 79 in the Earth Surface Book.