Rocks and Weathering

Create a Diagram of the Rock Cycle

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Vocabulary

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Discussion Starter

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Types of Weathering

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Types of Rocks

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Agents of Erosion

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The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle is a series of processes by which rocks are recycled over millions of years. Rocks are normally separated into three main types: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Weathering and erosion are processes that break rocks into smaller pieces. These rock particles are transported by rivers and seas and deposited in new locations. Sedimentation occurs when layers of sediment build up. Over time, compaction and cementation squishes the layers and sticks them together, which creates sedimentary rock. As these layers move underground, heat and pressure changes the rock, creating metamorphic rock. If this rock gets heated further and melts, it becomes magma, above ground, it becomes igneous rock. The rocks that are made are then weathered and eroded to start the process again.

Weathering is the breaking down of larger rocks into smaller pieces. There are different ways in which this can happen. These methods can be put into three categories: biological, chemical, and physical. Biological weathering occurs due to plants, animals, and other living things. Trees often have huge root systems and over time, these roots can break and split up rocks. When chemicals weather rocks, this is known as chemical weathering. Acid rain is formed when pollutants in the air are dissolved in water, causing the pH of the water to reduce. Acid rain can react with some rocks, such as limestone. Physical weathering is caused by physical changes, like temperature changes, freeze-thaw, waves, rain, and wind.

Erosion is the process by which rocks and rock particles are moved. There are four agents of erosion: water, ice, wind, and gravity. Water can move rock fragments through rivers, streams, and oceans. Ice can move these particles using glaciers. Glaciers are huge masses of ice that very slowly move over the land. Glaciers are sometimes called “ice rivers.” Wind can carry sand and dust over large distances. Sand from the Sahara Desert can be carried across the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes as far away as Florida. Gravity causes rock particles to fall away from where they are weathered. An example of this can be rock piles found at the bottom of a cliff. When these rock particles stop moving or are dropped, it is called deposition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rocks and Weathering

What is the rock cycle and how does it work?

The rock cycle is a continuous process where rocks change from one type to another through weathering, erosion, sedimentation, compaction, cementation, heat, and pressure. It explains how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed and recycled over millions of years.

What are the main types of rocks and how are they formed?

The three main types of rocks are sedimentary (formed from layers of particles compacted and cemented together), igneous (created from cooled and solidified magma), and metamorphic (changed by heat and pressure without melting).

How can I teach weathering and erosion to elementary students?

Use hands-on activities like simple experiments with sand, water, and ice, or create visual aids such as diagrams or storyboards to help students understand how weathering breaks rocks and erosion moves them.

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by biological, chemical, or physical means. Erosion is the movement of those rock particles by water, ice, wind, or gravity to new locations.

Why are fossils mostly found in sedimentary rocks?

Fossils are mainly found in sedimentary rocks because these rocks form from layers of sediment that gradually cover and protect remains of plants and animals, preserving them over time without the intense heat or pressure that could destroy them.