Earth's Structure

Science

basalt

a dark, dense igneous rock

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cementation

a process where sediment grains are cemented together

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clastic rock

sedimentary rock that forms when rock fragments are squeezed together, like sandstone

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compaction

the process by which sediments are compressed by the weight of layers above

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deposition

the process of dropping sediment by water or wind

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erosion

the process in which rock is worn away and transported by water, wind or ice

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extrusive rock

igneous rock that forms when lava cools on Earth's surface

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foliated

metamorphic rocks with mineral grains arranged in parallel layers

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granite

a light-colored igneous rock

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intrusive rock

igneous rock that forms when magma hardens beneath Earth's surface

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metamorphic rock

the rock that forms when existing rock is changed by heat, pressure, or chemicals

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nonfoliated

metamorphic rock with mineral grains not arranged in layers

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rock cycle

a process that changes rocks from one form to another

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sediment

particles of rock and other materials deposited by water or wind

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sedimentary rock

a rock that forms when sediment is pressed and cemented together

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stalactite

a deposit that hangs from the roof of a cave

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stalagmite

a cone-shaped deposit that builds up from the floor of a cave

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texture

the size, shape, and grains of a rock

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