Geology Basics: Understanding Rocks and Minerals

Rocks are naturally occurring solids that can be composed of minerals, fragments, and organic matter, making them a combination of different elements.

Minerals are naturally occurring solids that are inorganic and can be found in nature. Gemstones, fossils, and rocks are not necessarily inorganic or exclusively found in nature, making them incorrect answers.

Igneous rock is formed when molten rock cools and solidifies. Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compression of sediment. Metamorphic rock is formed through the alteration of existing rock due to high heat and pressure. Rock salt is a type of sedimentary rock composed of the mineral halite.

Intrusive Igneous rocks form underground from slowly cooling magma, allowing large crystals to form due to the slow cooling process. Extrusive Igneous rocks form on the surface from quickly cooling lava, resulting in smaller crystals. Metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks that undergo changes due to heat and pressure. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the deposition and solidification of sediment.

Extrusive Igneous Rock is formed when lava cools quickly above ground, resulting in a very fine-grained rock with no large crystals. Sedimentary Rock is formed from the accumulation of sediments over time. Metamorphic Rock is created through the alteration of existing rock types. Magma is molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface.

Sedimentary rocks are formed through the processes of compaction and cementation of sedimentary particles over time. Metamorphic rocks are formed under high pressure and temperature conditions. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten material, while volcanic rocks specifically refer to igneous rocks formed from volcanic activity.

Clastic (Detrital) Sedimentary Rock forms from the accumulation of rock and mineral fragments. Igneous Rock forms from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Metamorphic Rock forms from the alteration of pre-existing rock due to heat and pressure. Organic Sedimentary Rock forms from the accumulation of organic remains such as shells or plant material.

Chemical sedimentary rocks form as a result of minerals precipitating out of solution due to evaporation. This process creates unique crystal-like structures in the rock.

Organic Sedimentary Rock is formed from the remains of organisms, while Igneous Rock forms from cooled and solidified magma/lava, Metamorphic Rock forms from existing rocks that are subject to extreme heat and pressure, and Sedimentary Rock forms from the accumulation of sediment over time.

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to change their form and composition without melting. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling of magma or lava. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and cementation of sediment. Volcanic rocks are igneous rocks that form from lava erupted from a volcano.

Nonfoliated metamorphic rocks do not have the layered appearance that foliated rocks do, making them unique in their texture.

Foliated metamorphic rocks are created through the pressure and temperature-induced transformation of pre-existing rocks. The layers in foliated metamorphic rocks are a result of the pressure acting unevenly on the minerals during their formation.

Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is often described as stick, thick, and semifluid-like. Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume. Adhesion is the tendency of dissimilar particles or surfaces to cling to one another. Surface tension is the tendency of a liquid surface to minimize its surface area, caused by cohesive forces between molecules.

Magma is the term used for molten rock below Earth's surface, while lava is the term used for molten rock that has erupted onto the surface.

Molten rock is known as lava when it reaches the Earth's surface, while magma refers to molten rock beneath the surface. Boulder and quartz are not terms used to describe molten rock.

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces by wind, water, rain, ice, and biotic factors like plant roots. Erosion involves the movement of these smaller pieces by wind, water, or ice. Deposition is the laying down of these smaller pieces in a new location. Sedimentation refers to the process of forming sedimentary rocks from these smaller pieces over time.

Erosion is the process by which rocks and sediments are moved from one location to another by wind, water, or glaciers. Deposition is the opposite process where sediment is deposited in a new location. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles. Volcanism involves the movement of rocks and minerals through volcanic activity.

When sediment is left behind or dropped, it forms a deposit. Erosion is the process of soil and rocks being carried away, weathering is the breakdown of rocks, and transport is the movement of sediment from one place to another.

The correct term for the processes that change one type of rock into another type of rock is known as the Rock Cycle. It involves various geological processes such as weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and metamorphism.

Compaction refers to the process where sediment is compressed and consolidated under pressure, leading to the expulsion of water and air between the sediment particles. This process is key in the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Cementation is the process where minerals fill the spaces between sediment grains and bind them together to form a solid rock. Erosion is the movement of sediment from one place to another. Deposition is the laying down of sediment in a new location. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks caused by physical, chemical, or biological processes.