Rock Cycle Vocab:
Vocab (terminology)
Definition
Lithification
Combination of both compaction and
cementation; layering of sediments and
joining with cement to form sedimentary
rock.
(sedimentary rocks)
Compaction
The layering of sediments in horizontal
‘bedding’ with gravity to produce
sedimentary rock layers
(sedimentary rocks)
Deposition
‘drop’ of sediment on a particular area
(land or ocean)
(sedimentary rocks)
Uplift
Existing rocks are raised up to the
surface by force.
Weathering
Mechanical and chemical breakdown of
rock to produce sediments
(sedimentary rocks)
Transportation/ Erosion
Transportation of sediments from one
location to another. Erosion can be a
variety of different methods i.e. water,
wind, ice and gravity.
(sedimentary rocks)
Crystallization
Crystals form from cooling magma, the
size of the crystal can vary depending on
where and how the magma cools.
Igneous rocks can form fine-grains,
coarse- grains or glassy appearance.
(Igneous Rocks)
Solidification/Consolidation
Lava and magma cool to form solid rock
(Igneous Rock)
Burial
Sediments are buried on-top of each
other over long periods of time. This is
closely linked to deposition
(sedimentary rocks)