Earth Science (Part 3): The Rock Cycle

Part 3...Rocks...the rock cycle and the types of rocks of the Earth.
The Rock Cycle is a model that illustrates the origin of the three basic types of rock, the processes in which they form, and how they are interrelated. The rock cycle is obviously a cycle, so for the purpose of seeing how it works, I'm going to start at one point in the cycle and go from there.

Magma, lava when it reaches the surface, cools and solidifies in a process called crystallization, forming Igneous rock. Weathering and erosion breaks down the igneous rock, transports it and deposits it as sediment. Sediment is compacted and cemented to for sedimentary rock, a process called lithification. The sedimentary rock is buried deep under the crust by geologic forces. Heat and pressure(stress) cause it to become metamorphic rock. If the rock is pushed deeper beneath the crust, it melts into magma, starting the cycle over again.

Igneous rock can also become metamorphic through heat and pressure. Metamorphic and sedimentary rock can also be weathered into sediment.

Igneous rock: slow cooling results in formation of large crystals, rapid cooling results in the formation of a solid mass of small crystals. Texture-the size and arrangement of interlocking crystals(fine-grained, course-grained, porphyritic, glassy). Silica (SiO2) is the most abundant constituent of igneous rock. They are classified by their texture and mineral composition. Weathering types that break down igneous rock into sediment: Mechanical Weathering-[broken into smaller pieces],
Frost Wedging-[alternating freezing and thawing of water],
Unloading-[large masses of igneous rock are exposed by erosion and entire slabs begin to break loose]
Biological Activity-[activity of organisms, plant roots, burrowing animals, and humans]
Chemical Weathering-[altering of the internal structure of minerals by removing and/or adding elements]

Sedimentary: Detrital sedimentary rock-[rock formed from the accumulation of material that was transported in the form of solid partials derived from weathering. Chemical sedimentary rock-[rock consisting of material that was dissolved in water]. Limestone (CaCO3) is the most abundant chemical sedimentary rock. Layers of sedimentary rock are called strata or beds. They are the most characteristic feature.

Metamorphic rock: Types of metamorphic rock-[slate, schist, gneiss, marble, quartzite]
White marble is particularly prized as a stone from which to carve monuments and statues. Often the limestone from which the marble formed from contained impurities that color the marble. It could be green, gray, black, or even pick.




Music:
Way You Make Me Feel- Radiant
Piano Song- Summer Lawns
One Step Beyond-Karsh Kale
Sweet Sympathy- Thief
DBZ Music- Bruce Faulconer

Category:

Education

Tags:

• rock
• cycle
• earth
• science
• geology

[Danvsworld]

by the way, thanks for the nice comments everyone. I appreciate it.

[5tuntman99]

awesome video! What's the track at 0:40s?

[Danvsworld]

@5tuntman99 It's called One Step Beyond, I updated the music info in the description. I can't believe I missed that one.

[leinad248]

great video, usually i listen to really heavy music but these are nice, video was helpful thank you.

[BeastSlayer14]

Awesome! I've got a quiz tomorrow on this. Thanks for the help.

[0engima0]

Great Information.

I would be highly obliged if you (Danvsworld) could upload the notes in word form!

[jbroxz4life]

great vid- my science teacher plays it 24/7

[5tuntman99]

@Danvsworld Thanks man!

[SimSlikVIm]

ROCK FORMATIONS ARE COOL!!!!

[Envader000xp]

love this video its truly simple and informational..GREAT JOB!!