To complete the Rock Cycle diagram, we need to fill in the blanks with the correct geological processes that turn one type of rock or material into another. Let's follow the arrows in the cycle (looking at the third panel which shows the full loop):
1.
Volcanic Eruption / Lava to Igneous Rock:
* The cycle starts at the top with a volcano erupting lava.
* When hot lava cools down and hardens, it becomes solid rock.
*
Process: Cooling and Hardening (or Crystallization).
*
Result: Igneous Rock.
2.
Igneous Rock to Sedimentary Rock:
* The arrow points from the Igneous Rock (the speckled rock) to the Sedimentary Rock (the layered brown rock).
* Rocks on the surface get broken down by wind and rain into small pieces called sediment. These pieces settle in layers and get pressed together tightly over time.
*
Process: Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, Compaction, and Cementation. (For a simple worksheet, "Weathering and Compaction" is often used).
*
Result: Sedimentary Rock.
3.
Sedimentary Rock to Metamorphic Rock:
* The arrow points from the Sedimentary Rock to the Metamorphic Rock (the dark, wavy-lined rock).
* If this rock gets buried deep underground, it gets very hot and squeezed by heavy pressure. It changes shape but doesn't melt.
*
Process: Heat and Pressure.
*
Result: Metamorphic Rock.
4.
Metamorphic Rock to Magma:
* The arrow points from the Metamorphic Rock back to the volcano/magma source.
* If the rock gets pushed even deeper, it gets so hot that it turns back into liquid.
*
Process: Melting.
*
Result: Magma.
5.
Magma to Volcanic Eruption:
* The final arrow goes from the magma up to the eruption.
*
Process: Rising / Eruption.
Summary of labels for the lines:
* Line under the first volcano (turning lava to rock):
Cooling and Hardening
* Line between Igneous and Sedimentary rock:
Weathering and Compaction
* Line between Sedimentary and Metamorphic rock:
Heat and Pressure
* Line between Metamorphic rock and Magma/Volcano:
Melting
Final Answer:
Here are the correct terms to write on the lines to complete the Rock Cycle:
1. Under the first volcano (Lava $\rightarrow$ Igneous Rock):
Cooling and Hardening
2. Between Igneous Rock and Sedimentary Rock:
Weathering and Compaction
3. Between Sedimentary Rock and Metamorphic Rock:
Heat and Pressure
4. Between Metamorphic Rock and Magma/Volcano:
Melting
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of rock cycle worksheet 4th grade.
