The Rock Cycle
The Earth's surface is constantly changing. While eathquakes and volcanoes change our landscapes in a matter of hours, most of the changes that occur to the Earth's lithopshere happen very very slowly. Rocks on and below the Earth's surface are constantly being changed by natural processes that act over millions of years. As a result, rocks can tell us much about past events.
References
1. Core Science Stage 4 Chapter 10 The Changing Earth
2. Pearson Science 8 Chapter 8) Rocks and Minerals pg 295 - 344
1. Core Science Stage 4 Chapter 10 The Changing Earth
2. Pearson Science 8 Chapter 8) Rocks and Minerals pg 295 - 344
2.7) Rocks and Minerals
Rocks are made up of substances that are called minerals. The term ‘mineral’ describes any solid material made up of a consistent combination of chemical substances that occur naturally. These chemical substances can take the form of chemical compounds (which are made up of combined elements) or elements found in their pure form. Examples of minerals are quartz (SiO4), haematite and amethyst
Rocks are made up of substances that are called minerals. The term ‘mineral’ describes any solid material made up of a consistent combination of chemical substances that occur naturally. These chemical substances can take the form of chemical compounds (which are made up of combined elements) or elements found in their pure form. Examples of minerals are quartz (SiO4), haematite and amethyst
Rocks are classified as IGNEOUS, SEDIMENTARY or METAMORPHIC. Below are images of each type.
2.8) Igneous Rocks
References: CS4 ch 10.2) Fiery Rocks or Pearson pg 296 - 301
Igneous Rocks are formed from cooling magma or lava. Magma is very hot molten rock found UNDERNEATH the Earth's surface and lava is the name given to magma when it erupts onto the surface of the Earth, usually during a volcanic eruption. Igneous rocks were the first rocks to form and were the start of the Earth's crust. There are two types of igneous rocks:
a) Extrusive Igneous Rocks - formed by lava - fast cooling - small crystals in the rock
- examples are Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice, Rhyolite
References: CS4 ch 10.2) Fiery Rocks or Pearson pg 296 - 301
Igneous Rocks are formed from cooling magma or lava. Magma is very hot molten rock found UNDERNEATH the Earth's surface and lava is the name given to magma when it erupts onto the surface of the Earth, usually during a volcanic eruption. Igneous rocks were the first rocks to form and were the start of the Earth's crust. There are two types of igneous rocks:
a) Extrusive Igneous Rocks - formed by lava - fast cooling - small crystals in the rock
- examples are Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice, Rhyolite
b) Intrusive Igneous Rocks - formed by magma - ________________________ - _______________________
- examples are Granite
- examples are Granite
Complete diagram to illustrate where these igneous rocks are usually found.
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Practical 1: Identifying the different Igneous Rocks
Aim: To identify Basalt, Rhyolite, Pumice and Granite
Aim: To identify Basalt, Rhyolite, Pumice and Granite
Practical 2: Cooling and Crystal Size
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Thank you Deena for the excellent diagram about types of variables!!!
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2.9) Sedimentary Rocks
Read CS4 ch 10.4) It's Sedimentary, Watson! OR 8 Pearson Science NSW pg 314 - 318 and then answer the following questions: 1) How do Sedimentary Rocks form? Include diagrams to illustrate your answer. 2) What are the uses of the following sedimentary rocks: a) sandstone b) limestone c) coal 3) Complete homework sheet "8.3) Settling Sediments" to develop your graph interpretation skills. 4) Extension - Complete homework sheet "8.4) The Grand Canyon" |
2.10) Metamorphic Rocks and the Rock Cycle
Read CS4 ch 10.6 Rocky Changes OR pg 305 - 308 in 8 Pearson Science and then answer the following questions:
1. How are metamorphic rocks formed?
2. Where are metamorphic rocks formed?
3. Why do metamorphic rocks have many different minerals in them?
4. Complete the following table:
Read CS4 ch 10.6 Rocky Changes OR pg 305 - 308 in 8 Pearson Science and then answer the following questions:
1. How are metamorphic rocks formed?
2. Where are metamorphic rocks formed?
3. Why do metamorphic rocks have many different minerals in them?
4. Complete the following table:
5. Draw a diagram of the rock cycle
The Rock Cycle
Use the video and the Rock Cycle Interactive website to complete the questions on the worksheet. |
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Another Rock Cycle Video (25 minutes)
Strengthen your knowledge and understanding of rocks and the rock cycle with this fun video |