Geology - Rock Formation and Cycle
Geology -- Rock Cycle and Formation
"Geologists have a saying - rocks remember."
~ Neil Armstrong
The Earth’s surface is continuously being renewed. The rocks of our planet are grouped into three large classifications based on the processes from which they form: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Any rock material found on our planet has gone through great transitions and will still continue to undergo transformation, which is known as the rock cycle.
The rock cycle illustrates all the processes involved in rock formation, modification, transportation, decomposition, and reformation that results from both the internal and external processes of Earth. Weathering and erosion occur because the Earth’s surface is continually interacting with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere of Earth. The rock cycle, like all cycles, is one of constant change, driven by the Earth’s geothermal energy and the Sun's solar energy.
The first portion of this topical section focused on the processes that move the tectonic plates to form the Earth’s crust. We are now going to explore the processes that shape and form the three different rock types. We will finish this discussion by examining how erosion and weathering demonstrate the complex relationship between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and the geosphere.
Before we get started use this LINK to look at an animated rock cycle. While viewing the animation try to gain an appreciation for where the different rock types form.
Guiding Questions
The Rock Cycle – In Parts
Now we are going to look at the various parts of the rock cycle by exploring how the different types of rocks are formed. We will be using another LINK that defines the rock cycle and three different rock types to facilitate our discussion about the rock cycle.
Check out this LINK for more information on mineral and rocks.
Erosion and Weathering
We will discuss the process of erosion in more detail when we look at soil, but since we are discussing the rock cycle, in which weathering and erosion play a role, we will look at the weathering aspect now.
Please open the LINK as a means of reinforcing the main points .
At This Point - Proceed to the next subtopic: AP Notes - Rock Cycle and Formation
The first portion of this topical section focused on the processes that move the tectonic plates to form the Earth’s crust. We are now going to explore the processes that shape and form the three different rock types. We will finish this discussion by examining how erosion and weathering demonstrate the complex relationship between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and the geosphere.
Before we get started use this LINK to look at an animated rock cycle. While viewing the animation try to gain an appreciation for where the different rock types form.
Guiding Questions
- How are sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock formed?
- What are the differences and similarities between the three rock types?
- What part does erosion and weathering play in the rock cycle?
- What are the different types of sedimentary rocks?
- How does foliation influence metamorphic rock formation?
- What are the differences and similarities between intrusive and extrusive igneous rock?
The Rock Cycle – In Parts
Now we are going to look at the various parts of the rock cycle by exploring how the different types of rocks are formed. We will be using another LINK that defines the rock cycle and three different rock types to facilitate our discussion about the rock cycle.
Check out this LINK for more information on mineral and rocks.
Erosion and Weathering
We will discuss the process of erosion in more detail when we look at soil, but since we are discussing the rock cycle, in which weathering and erosion play a role, we will look at the weathering aspect now.
Please open the LINK as a means of reinforcing the main points .
At This Point - Proceed to the next subtopic: AP Notes - Rock Cycle and Formation