This worksheet provides a detailed exploration of the rock cycle, complete with answers to help solidify your understanding. The rock cycle is a fundamental concept in geology, describing the continuous transformation of rocks from one type to another over vast periods. Understanding this cycle is key to grasping Earth's dynamic processes.
Part 1: Identifying Rock Types
Instructions: Identify each rock type (igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) based on its description.
1. Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).
Answer: Igneous
2. Rock formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments (like sand, silt, or shells).
Answer: Sedimentary
3. Rock formed from existing rock changed by heat and pressure.
Answer: Metamorphic
4. Granite, a common example, is formed deep underground from slowly cooling magma.
Answer: Igneous
5. Limestone, often composed of fossilized marine organisms, is formed from compressed layers of sediment.
Answer: Sedimentary
6. Marble, a beautiful metamorphic rock, is formed from the transformation of limestone under intense heat and pressure.
Answer: Metamorphic
7. Basalt, a dark volcanic rock, forms from rapidly cooling lava.
Answer: Igneous
8. Sandstone, a common building material, is composed of cemented sand grains.
Answer: Sedimentary
9. Gneiss, a banded metamorphic rock, shows evidence of intense heat and pressure altering its original structure.
Answer: Metamorphic
Part 2: Tracing the Rock Cycle
Instructions: Using the terms below, trace the path of a rock through the rock cycle. Several paths are possible. Illustrate one possible path.
Terms: Igneous rock, Sedimentary rock, Metamorphic rock, Weathering and erosion, Heat and pressure, Melting, Cooling and solidification, Compaction and cementation
Example Path 1 (and possible answers for the steps involved):
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Igneous Rock: Begins as an igneous rock formed from cooling magma (e.g., granite).
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Weathering and Erosion: The igneous rock is broken down into smaller pieces by weathering and erosion (rain, wind, ice).
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Transportation and Deposition: The weathered fragments are transported and deposited as sediment (e.g., sand, silt).
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Compaction and Cementation: The sediment is buried and compacted by overlying layers, binding together to form sedimentary rock (e.g., sandstone).
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Heat and Pressure: The sedimentary rock is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth.
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Metamorphic Rock: The sedimentary rock transforms into a metamorphic rock (e.g., quartzite).
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Melting: The metamorphic rock melts due to extremely high temperatures.
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Cooling and Solidification: The molten rock cools and solidifies, forming a new igneous rock (completing the cycle).
Example Path 2 (a shorter path):
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Igneous Rock: Begins as an igneous rock (e.g., basalt).
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Melting: The igneous rock melts.
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Cooling and Solidification: The molten rock cools quickly forming a new igneous rock (possibly with a different composition).
Note: Many other paths are possible depending on the starting rock type and the specific geological conditions.
Part 3: Rock Cycle Diagram
(This section would ideally include a blank diagram of the rock cycle for students to fill in. The completed diagram would illustrate the processes and transitions between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.) Since this is a text-based response, I can't include a visual diagram. However, you can easily find numerous rock cycle diagrams online to use with this worksheet.
This worksheet provides a foundational understanding of the rock cycle. Remember, the processes involved take millions of years, and the cycle is constantly repeating, shaping the Earth's surface and influencing the formation of various rock types. Further research and study will deepen your comprehension of this fascinating geological phenomenon.
