The Rock Cycle An Interactive Presentation by: Andrew DeWitt Quit

The Rock Cycle Home Page Overview of Rock Cycle Igneous Rocks Sedimentary Rocks Metamorphic Rocks About the Author Resources Concept Map Quit

Overview of Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks

About the Author

Resources

Concept Map

Overview of the Rock Cycle The rock cycle describes Earth’s natural process of recycling rocks and sediments. All the rocks on Earth fall into the three distinct categories of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks. The names of these rock types refer to the way the rocks were formed. This interactive powerpoint will guide you through each of these three categories. Click here to view a rock cycle video Quit

The rock cycle describes Earth’s natural process of recycling rocks and sediments. All the rocks on Earth fall into the three distinct categories of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks. The names of these rock types refer to the way the rocks were formed. This interactive powerpoint will guide you through each of these three categories.

Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks are formed from magma, the molten form of Earth’s mantle layer. These rocks can form above ground when lava comes out of a volcano, or they may form under the Earth’s surface when magma cools. When igneous rocks are broken down chemically and physically the pieces of this rock may be lithified creating sedimentary rock. Or, if these rocks undergo heat and pressure they may turn into metamorphic rock. Granite is a common igneous rock that is formed under the Earth’s surface. About 75% of the Earth’s crust is granite. Click here for examples of igneous rocks Quit

Igneous rocks are formed from magma, the molten form of Earth’s mantle layer. These rocks can form above ground when lava comes out of a volcano, or they may form under the Earth’s surface when magma cools. When igneous rocks are broken down chemically and physically the pieces of this rock may be lithified creating sedimentary rock. Or, if these rocks undergo heat and pressure they may turn into metamorphic rock.

Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks form from weathered pieces of other rocks (metamorphic, igneous, or other sedimentary rocks) or from weathered shells of sea creatures. Also, sedimentary rocks can be precipitated directly out of water as is the case with limestone. Coal is also an example of a sedimentary rock. Coal forms when dead organic matter is squeezed together before the material can be decayed. Whatever the case, these rocks must be squeezed and cemented together. Quit Click here for examples of sedimentary rocks

Sedimentary rocks form from weathered pieces of other rocks (metamorphic, igneous, or other sedimentary rocks) or from weathered shells of sea creatures. Also, sedimentary rocks can be precipitated directly out of water as is the case with limestone. Coal is also an example of a sedimentary rock. Coal forms when dead organic matter is squeezed together before the material can be decayed. Whatever the case, these rocks must be squeezed and cemented together.

Metamorphic Rocks Metamorphic rocks form under intense heat and pressure. These rocks may start out as igneous, sedimentary or another type of metamorphic rock, but due to heat and pressure the characteristics change, generating a metamorphic rock. It is important to know that rocks continue to change form. What was once a sedimentary rock may become a metamorphic rock when subjected to extreme heat and pressure. With sufficient time and weathering, that metamorphic rock can become a sedimentary rock once again. Evidence of deformation and stress is often associated with metamorphic rocks due to the fact that they were subject to extreme heat and pressure. Quit Click here for examples of metamorphic rocks

Metamorphic rocks form under intense heat and pressure. These rocks may start out as igneous, sedimentary or another type of metamorphic rock, but due to heat and pressure the characteristics change, generating a metamorphic rock. It is important to know that rocks continue to change form. What was once a sedimentary rock may become a metamorphic rock when subjected to extreme heat and pressure. With sufficient time and weathering, that metamorphic rock can become a sedimentary rock once again.

About the author My name is Andrew DeWitt and I am an Earth Science major, Biology minor at GVSU. I graduated from Hudsonville High School in 2005. I was a three sport athlete at HHS for all four years I attended there. Currently, I am preparing to enroll into the College of Education at GVSU. After a semester of teacher assisting and a semester of student teaching I will be out on the hunt for a teaching job. I enjoy all the sciences but specifically Earth Science and Geology. Quit Click here for author’s contact info

My name is Andrew DeWitt and I am an Earth Science major, Biology minor at GVSU. I graduated from Hudsonville High School in 2005. I was a three sport athlete at HHS for all four years I attended there. Currently, I am preparing to enroll into the College of Education at GVSU. After a semester of teacher assisting and a semester of student teaching I will be out on the hunt for a teaching job. I enjoy all the sciences but specifically Earth Science and Geology.

About the author continued… Author atop of Mauna Kea in Hawaii in summer of 2008. Elevation = 13,000 feet Quit Click here to contact me via E-mail I greatly appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and rock and mineral collecting. I also am also very interested in sports, particularly football, basketball, and track. I am currently a volunteer track coach at Hudsonville High School and I hope that one day I can coach at the school I teach.

Resources Photos from the following sites: http://evolution.itgo.com/rock_cycle/cycle.html www.rocksandminerals4u.com/rock_cycle.html www.geol.umd.edu/.../GEOL388/lectures/02.html geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml Video from United Streaming: http:// streaming.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm Quit

Photos from the following sites: http://evolution.itgo.com/rock_cycle/cycle.html www.rocksandminerals4u.com/rock_cycle.html www.geol.umd.edu/.../GEOL388/lectures/02.html geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml

Video from United Streaming: http:// streaming.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm

Overview of the Rock Cycle Video Click on image above to view introductory video Click here to return to overview of rock cycle Quit

Examples of Igneous Rocks Rocks formed as lava cooling on Earth’s surface: Basalt Obsidian Rocks formed as magma cooling under the Earth’s surface: Rhyolite Diorite Gabbro Granite Quit Click to go back to igneous rocks information

Examples of Sedimentary Rocks Quit Click to go back to sedimentary rocks information

Examples of Metamorphic Rocks Increasing metamorphic grade (more heat and pressure) from lower left to upper right. Slate Phyllite Schist Gneiss Quit Click to go back to metamorphic rocks information

Concept Map Quit