how does a metamorphic rock form
formed when pre-existing rock undergoes transformation because of heat and pressure
it forms without becoming melt or sediment
what is the rock cycle
the transitions of rock into different rock
what is sediment
an accumulation of unconsolidated clasts of any size not cemented together
how is sediment formed
because of weathering
how does physical weathering start
with joints; natural cracks in the rocks
where does sedimentary rock typically break
along bedding planes and along joints
what is chemical weathering
a process where chemical reactions alter or dissolve minerals when the minerals come in contact with water or air
what is clay
extremely fine-grained sediment; too small to see with the eye
how do physical and chemical weathering work together
they happen simultaneously and can accelerate each other
what is physical weathering
processes at or near the earths surface that breaks intact rock into smaller grains or chunks
what is the end product of weathering
sediment
what is a clast
a single fragment or grain of rock
how is biochemical sedimentary rock formed
formed from the remains of organisms that have extracted minerals from water
how is organic sedimentary rock formed
formed from the accumulation of large amounts of organic matter, like plant remains, that have been transformed by burial and heat.
how is clastic sedimentary rock formed
when clasts undergo compaction, consolidation, and cementation
how is chemical sedimentary rock formed
forms from minerals that precipitate directly from water solutions
what helps a clastic rock form
weathering
erosion
transportation
deposition (settlement settles)
lithification
cementation
