Rock Test
Below is a listing of some topics you can expect to see on this week's test.
Rock Cycle • 3 rock types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. • Any rock can change into any other rock type.
Sedimentary Rocks • Form due to compaction and cementation of rock particles • Divided into 3 groups based on formation: – Clastic (from other rock pieces) – Chemical / Crystalline (from solution) – Bioclastic (from organic materials)
Sedimentary Rocks • Observable Characteristics: – Layers of sediments (strata) – Visible sediments (sand, pebbles) – Fossils or shells – Chemical sedimentary rocks are composed of only one mineral (like rock salt from halite)
Igneous Rocks • Form when molten rock cools and hardens • 2 types based on location of formation: – Intrusive (plutonic): form underground • cool slowly; large crystals (coarse-grained) – Extrusive (volcanic): form above ground • cool quickly; small or no crystals (fine-grained or glassy) • Mafic or Felsic based on composition
Igneous Rocks • Observable Characteristics – Glassy – Vesicular texture (gas pockets) – Interconnected mineral crystals (usually more than one color—like granite) – Multiple mineral composition
Metamorphic Rocks • Form due to heat and pressure (recrystallization) • 2 types based on texture – Foliated: mineral crystals are aligned (banding is when minerals separate into stripes) – Non-foliated: interconnected mineral crystals • 2 types of metamorphism – Regional: large area of heat and pressure due to plate collision – Contact: small area of heat due to hot fluids
Metamorphic Rocks • Observable Characteristics – Foliation (minerals flatten and line up) – Banding (stripes of minerals) – Intergrown mineral crystals (like marble) – Foliated mica – Garnets
Earth Science Reference Tables • Page 6: Rock Cycle • Page 6: Igneous Rock Chart • Page 7: Sedimentary Rock Chart • Page 7: Metamorphic Rock Chart • Page 16: Properties of Minerals
Sample Questions
Below are some sample questions you may expect to see on the test
See uploaded review file in the Canvas Module
Review Games
Below are some review games that can help you prepare for the exam.