Here are the answers to the questions on your worksheet about the Rock Cycle.
1. Look at the igneous rock, what causes it to break down into pieces (sediments)?
Weathering and erosion (caused by wind, rain, ice, or temperature changes).
2. Look at the igneous rock, what causes it to turn into metamorphic rock?
Heat and pressure (deep underground).
3. Look at the igneous rock, what causes it to turn into magma?
Melting (extreme heat).
4. Look at the sedimentary rock, what causes it to turn into pieces (sediments)?
Weathering and erosion.
5. Look at the sedimentary rock, what causes it to turn into metamorphic rock?
Heat and pressure.
6. Look at the sedimentary rock, what causes it to turn into magma?
Melting.
7. Look at the metamorphic rock, what causes it to break into pieces (sediments)?
Weathering and erosion.
8. Look at the magma, what causes it to turn into igneous rock? (cooling)
Cooling and hardening (solidification).
9. Look at the sediments, what causes them to become sedimentary rock? (compacting and cementing)
Compaction and cementation (being pressed together and glued by minerals).
10. Look at any rock in the rock cycle, discuss their journey to change.
*(Note: This is a discussion question, but here is a summary answer)*
Rocks are always changing. An igneous rock can be buried deep underground where heat and pressure turn it into metamorphic rock. If that metamorphic rock gets pushed even deeper, it melts into magma. When the magma cools, it becomes igneous rock again. Alternatively, any rock exposed to the surface can be broken down by weather into sediments, which eventually get pressed together to form sedimentary rock.
Final Answer:
1. Weathering and erosion
2. Heat and pressure
3. Melting
4. Weathering and erosion
5. Heat and pressure
6. Melting
7. Weathering and erosion
8. Cooling and hardening
9. Compaction and cementation
10. Rocks change forms through melting, cooling, weathering, and heat/pressure over millions of years.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of rock worksheet answers.
