AP Environmental Science : Rock Cycle

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #14 : Soil And Geology

A stream with lots of pebbles of various shapes and sizes is buried. What type of rock will be created when these pebbles are lithified?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Igneous

Sedimentary

Metamorphic

Correct answer:

Sedimentary

Explanation:

Pebbles of various sizes and shapes will create a sedimentary rock called a conglomerate rock.

Example Question #15 : Soil And Geology

What type of rock will form when beach deposits composed of sand and shells are lithified?

Possible Answers:

Igneous 

None of these

Metamorphic

Sedimentary

Correct answer:

Sedimentary

Explanation:

When lithified, sand and shells will create limestone. Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock.

Example Question #11 : Rock Cycle

Which of the following aquatic environments will most likely form shale—a fine-grained sedimentary rock?

Possible Answers:

In a fast-paced, marine environment with high water velocity

None of these

The still, calm water found in a deep ocean basin

The inside bends (point bars) of streams where water velocity is slowest

Correct answer:

The still, calm water found in a deep ocean basin

Explanation:

Shale is a very fine-grained sedimentary rock and it is often composed of clay particles. This means that it has to be deposited into a calm environment with little water movement.

Example Question #12 : Rock Cycle

There are three basic types of rocks. 

Which type of rock is the result of the heating and cooling process alone?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Sedimentary

Igneous

None of these

Metamorphic

Correct answer:

Igneous

Explanation:

Igneous rock is formed when magma/lava cools and solidifies. Igneous rock is weathered, eroded, transported and deposited to form sedimentary rock. If igneous or sedimentary rocks are subjected to great heat and pressure they transform into metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rock can be reheated and re-pressurized to create different types of metamorphic rock. 

Example Question #13 : Rock Cycle

Geologist study how natural resources are formed and used. What is the slowest and largest cycle that forms soils and igneous materials in the Earth's crust over time?

Possible Answers:

Sulfur cycle

Rock cycle

Carbon cycle

Nutrient cycling

Correct answer:

Rock cycle

Explanation:

The correct response is rock cycle. This cycle takes millions of years, and forms soil and rocks within the Earth's crust. Igneous materials are one of the 3 types of rocks.

Example Question #13 : Soil And Geology

The rock cycle is one of the slowest and largest cycles on the Earth. Which of the following is not a process involved in the rock cycle?

Possible Answers:

Erosion

Melting

Metamorphism

Anamorphism

Correct answer:

Anamorphism

Explanation:

The correct response is anamorphismThis term has nothing to do with the rock cycle.

Example Question #14 : Rock Cycle

During the rock cycle, three types of rocks are created. Which type of rock is formed as magma from the Earth's mantle and crust cools and solidifies?

Possible Answers:

Anamorphic rock

Sedimentary rock

Igneous rock

Metamorphic rock

Correct answer:

Igneous rock

Explanation:

The correct response is igneous rock. Sedimentary rock is made of various sediments that accumulate over time. Metamorphic rock is made under high pressure, high temp, and/or chemical compounds that alter the crystalline structure, the appearance, and the physical properties of the rock. The other two answer choices are not rock types. 

Example Question #94 : Ap Environmental Sciences

A geologist had the opportunity to collect rock cycles on a tiny island off the coast of Italy. He noticed that the rocks were formed of compacted shells and skeletons from dead organisms. Based on your understanding of the three types of rocks formed during the rock cycle, which rock type did the geologist collect?

Possible Answers:

Sedimentary rock

Metamorphic rock

Igneous rock

Anamorphic rock

Correct answer:

Sedimentary rock

Explanation:

The correct response is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is made of various sediments that accumulate over time, like dead plants and animals and other rocks. Metamorphic rock is made from existing rocks placed  under high pressure, high temp, and/or chemical compounds that alter the crystalline structure, the appearance, and the physical properties of the rock. Igneous rocks are formed as magma cools and solidifies. The other two answer choices are not rock types. 

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