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Chapter 9: Problem 19

What are the differences among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks? What do these rocks tell us about the sites at which they are found?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava and indicate volcanic activity. Sedimentary rocks form from accumulated sediments and indicate the former presence of bodies of water, wind action, or glacial activity. Metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks under heat and pressure, indicating significant geologic changes in the area.

Step by step solution

01

Explain Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks are formed when magma or lava cools down and solidifies. They can form either on the earth's surface (extrusive igneous rocks) or beneath the surface (intrusive igneous rocks). When these rocks are found, they generally indicate a history of volcanic activity in that area.
02

Discuss Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediment, such as dust, sand, and other particles, over a long period. This sediment is often deposited by water, wind, or ice, and then it compacts or cements over time into solid rock. When these rocks are found, they suggest the past existence of bodies of water, wind action, or glacial activity.
03

Describe Metamorphic Rock

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or older metamorphic rocks) are subjected to heat and pressure below the earth's surface, causing physical or chemical changes. When found, these rocks indicate that the area has undergone significant geological changes.

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