Lab Objectives:
• Determine the meaning of the rock cycle and what
conditions are necessary to form igneous, sedimentary,
and metamorphic rocks
• Identify the names of common rock forming processes
and how textural/compositional characteristics are
associated with the various geologic processes
• Determine that the rock cycle is an open system that
interacts with various other open systems within the
geoshpere and how the rock cycle contributes to
positive/negative feedback mechanisms
• Infer how specific hand samples representing all three
rock groups have formed in relation to the rock cycle
The Rock Cycle
The Rock Cycle:
7
• where the earth’s internal forces meet
the earth’s external forces (at the earth’s
surface)
Earth’s internal forces VS. Earth’s external forces
• moving continents (PT)
• earthquakes
• elevation of mountains
• volcanic eruptions
• the hydrosphere (HC)
• atmosphere
• erosion (wind, water, ice)
• biosphere activities
Produce a continuous cycle of rising mountains only to be
weathered down and uplifted repeatedly. As a result, igneous
sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are created.
Ocean to Continent Convergence
A. convergence of plates
D
A
B
B. subduction of oceanic
plate material
C. oceanic plate melts
and
less
dense
magma
C
rises
D. formation of composite
volcanoes (explosive)
on the continent
Oregon / Washington Coast
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An Important Aspect of Earth Science
• The earth maintains balance between the
open systems through positive and negative
feedback mechanisms.
Positive feedback works to change the system
Negative feedback works to resist the change
Working to change the system and working to
resist the change maintains balance within the
system.
“PONDERING”
How would you draw a relationship
between positive/negative feedback
mechanisms and the processes within
the rock cycle
Lab Exercise:
• Complete Rock Identification
• Complete Rock Cycle Lab
• use your textbook
• use available sources on the counter
• use the Rock ID boxes (red boxes)
• use your lecture notes