Download Rock Cycle: How do Rocks Undergo Change?

Name___________________
Date_______________
Rocks form from other rocks. The rock cycle is the repeated series of events by which rock
gradually and continuously changes from one type to another.
Answer all of the following questions by interpreting the information presented on the rock cycle
diagram!
#1 What are the three types of rocks? _____________________________________________________
#2 Igneous Rocks:
a. What processes are involved in the formation of Igneous rocks?
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b. According to the diagram what are the two different locations Igneous rocks can form?
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c. What terms are used to describe where the igneous rock formed?
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Name___________________
Date_______________
d. Igneous rocks are classified according to their composition and texture or crystal size.
Where would the largest crystals form, in an intrusive or extrusive igneous rock? Why?
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#3 Sedimentary Rocks:
a. Where does the formation of a sedimentary rock begin? __________________________________
b. What processes are involved in the creation of a sedimentary rock?
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c. Sedimentary rocks are classified according to the origin of the materials and the grain sizes.
Which processes might have the greatest affect on grain or sediment size?
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#4 Metamorphic Rocks:
a. What processes could be involved in the formation of this type of rock? They are not the result
of melting because they would be Igneous. Take a good look at the diagram and describe what
processes might lead to their formation.
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#5 Examine the diagram once more. Complete the following story by filling in the blanks with the
correct term.
Igneous rocks whether they cool underground or at the surface can be changed into
_____________________ with weathering, deposition and lithification. These same rocks can
be buried and the heat and pressure change them into an entirely new rock type called
________________________. This same ____________________rock might be carried deeper or
melted in a magma chamber and become a brand new _______________________ rock or perhaps
be uplifted to the surface to change into a new ________________________ rock. It is even
possible for the metamorphic rock to undergo more heat and pressure and simply become another
_______________________ rock. According to this cycle any __________________ can become
another rock type with the correct _________________and time!