The Rock cycle
Fun Facts
- The word "igneous" comes from the Latin word "ignis" which means "of fire."
- Sedimentary rocks form layers at the bottoms of oceans and lakes.
- Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high heat and pressure within the Earth.
- Layers of sedimentary rocks are called strata.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rock is one of the 3 main types of rock.
Sedimentary rock is formed when igneous rock wears
away and forms sediment, then the sediment is carried
by wind, water, ice, and gravity and eventually the
sediment gets deposited in layers. Sedimentary rock
turns into igneous rock when it wears away. Sedimentary rock turns into metamorphic rock when heat and pressure join together. Some examples of sedimentary rock are sandstone, breccia, conglomerate and shale. Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rock because unlike metamorphic and igneous rock it doesn't form at high temperatures and pressures that destroy fossils.
Metamorphic Rock
Igneous Rock
Metamorphic rock is one of the 3 main types of rock.
Heat from the Earth's interer and pressure from the rocks above forms metamorphic rock.Metamorphic rock turns into igneous rock when metamorphic rock turns into igneous rock when magma cools and hardens.Metamorphic rock turns into sedimentary rock when it wears away and
is deposited in layers.Some examples of metamorphic rock are gneiss, phyllite, schist, marble, and slate. Did you know that the term metamorphic means "to change form."
Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and hardens.Igneous rock turns into sedimentary rock when water, wind or any natural forces deposit sediment in layers.
Igneous rock turns into metamorphic rock when heat from the Earth's interior and pressure from the rocks above press down on the layers of sedimentary rock.Some examples of igneous rock are granite, gabbro, diorite, and obsidian.There is over 700 different types of igneous rock. Did you know that 95% of Earth's surface is made out of igneous rock.
The Rock Cycle
The rock cycle is a series of processes on or beneath Earth's surface, that change one type of rock to another type of rock. It's a never ending process.