The Rock Cycle Ultimate Trivia! Quiz

The rock cycle involves the transformation of rocks from one type to another over time. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten material, sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, and metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rocks under high pressure and temperature. These three types of rocks represent the different stages and processes in the rock cycle.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and consolidation of sediments, which are small pieces of other rocks or minerals. Over time, these sediments are deposited and undergo processes such as compaction and cementation, where they are squeezed together and bound by minerals, creating a solid rock. This process can occur in various environments, such as rivers, oceans, or deserts, and is responsible for the formation of rocks like sandstone, limestone, and shale.

The rock cycle involves various processes, including heat, pressure, and cooling. These factors play a crucial role in the formation and transformation of rocks. Heat and pressure can cause existing rocks to undergo metamorphism and change into metamorphic rocks. Cooling of molten rock leads to the formation of igneous rocks. Therefore, the statement "it involves heat, pressure, and cooling" accurately describes the rock cycle.

Igneous rocks are formed from molten rock that has cooled and solidified. When magma or lava cools, it undergoes a process called solidification, where it transforms from a liquid state to a solid state. As the molten rock cools, minerals crystallize and interlock, forming the igneous rock. This process can occur both beneath the Earth's surface, forming intrusive igneous rocks, or on the Earth's surface, forming extrusive igneous rocks. Therefore, the correct answer is "molten rock that has cooled."

Rocks are made of one or more minerals. This is because rocks are naturally occurring solid aggregates of minerals, which are inorganic substances. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and can be composed of various elements and compounds. Therefore, rocks can consist of a single mineral or a combination of different minerals.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock because it is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment particles, such as sand, over time. Sedimentary rocks are typically formed through processes like weathering, erosion, and deposition, where sediments are transported and eventually settle to form rock layers. Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of molten magma, while pumice is a volcanic rock that is formed from the rapid cooling of lava with high gas content.

Sedimentary rock most often contains fossils because it is formed from layers of sediment that accumulate over time. Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rock because this type of rock is formed from the remains of plants and animals that have been preserved in the sediment. Igneous rock is formed from cooled lava or magma and does not typically contain fossils. Metamorphic rock is formed from the transformation of existing rock through heat and pressure, and it also does not typically contain fossils.

When metamorphic rock is subjected to extreme heat, it undergoes a process called melting. This means that the rock transitions from a solid state to a liquid state, forming magma. Magma is a molten mixture of various minerals and elements, and it can eventually cool and solidify to form igneous rocks. Therefore, the correct answer is that metamorphic rock melts into magma when exposed to extreme heat.

Graphite is an igneous rock because it is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Igneous rocks are created through the process of crystallization, where molten material cools and hardens, forming solid rock. Graphite, which is composed of carbon, is formed under high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth's crust. It undergoes metamorphism, transforming from its original form of coal to graphite. Therefore, graphite is classified as an igneous rock.

Marble is a metamorphic rock because it is formed from the recrystallization of limestone under high temperature and pressure. This process causes the minerals in the limestone to rearrange and form new crystals, resulting in the formation of marble. Shale, on the other hand, is a sedimentary rock, and basalt is an igneous rock.