Weathering And The Rock Cycle

Water can cause the physical or chemical breakdown of rocks through a process called weathering. Physical weathering occurs when water freezes and expands in cracks and crevices, causing the rocks to break apart. Chemical weathering occurs when water reacts with minerals in the rocks, causing them to dissolve or undergo chemical changes. Both processes can lead to the breakdown and erosion of rocks over time.

When rocks are exposed to heat and pressure, they undergo a process called metamorphism. This process causes the minerals within the rocks to rearrange and recrystallize, resulting in the formation of new rocks with different characteristics. Therefore, it is true that rocks change when exposed to heat and pressure.

The picture shows rocks that have been broken down into smaller pieces, indicating that weathering has occurred. Weathering is the process by which pre-existing rocks are broken down into sediments through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Therefore, the correct answer is "Pre-existing rocks being weathered into sediments."

Igneous rocks can cool slowly or quickly depending on the location of the cooling because the rate of cooling affects the size of the mineral crystals formed within the rock. If the cooling occurs slowly, the minerals have more time to grow and form larger crystals. On the other hand, if the cooling is rapid, the minerals have less time to grow and form smaller crystals. Therefore, the location of the cooling can determine the rate of cooling and subsequently the size of the mineral crystals in the igneous rock.

The oval between "Heat and Pressure and Stress" and "Melting" should include metamorphic rock because metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure, causing them to change in composition and texture. The diagram suggests that the process of heat, pressure, and stress leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks before reaching the stage of melting.

The most likely type of rock found in cliff layers is sedimentary. This is because sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, which can occur in layers over time. Cliffs are often formed by the erosion and weathering of sedimentary rocks, which exposes the layers of rock. Therefore, it is logical to assume that the rock found in cliff layers would be sedimentary in nature.

The box between "Volcanic Eruptions" and "Weathering and Erosion" should include Igneous Rock. This is because volcanic eruptions are associated with the formation of igneous rocks, which are formed when molten lava or magma cools and solidifies. Weathering and erosion, on the other hand, break down and transport rocks, including igneous rocks, to form sedimentary rocks. Therefore, the box between these two processes would contain igneous rocks.

The picture shows water freezing and expanding within the cracks of the rocks. This expansion exerts pressure on the rocks, causing them to break apart. This process is known as frost wedging, which is a type of physical weathering. Therefore, the statement "Water is physically weathering the rocks as it freezes" is true.

The weathering and erosion of igneous rocks form sediments, which undergo compacting and cementation to form sedimentary rocks.

The statement is true because coltan, a mineral used in electronic devices, can be found in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. This is because coltan can form in different geological settings and is not limited to a specific rock type like metamorphic rocks. Therefore, the statement is correct.