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Quizzes > Science > Earth & Space Science

Think You Know the Rock Cycle? Take the Ultimate Quiz!

Ready for rock cycle questions? Test yourself now with this fun rock cycle test!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut rocks and arrows illustrating igneous sedimentary metamorphic cycle framing quiz text on teal background

Dive into our ultimate rock cycle quiz and challenge yourself with intriguing rock cycle questions that explore every stage - from molten magma to polished pebbles. This free rock cycle test brings you questions about the rock cycle's three main types - igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic - so you can gauge your geology grasp. Whether you're prepping for class or indulging weekend curiosity, this interactive journey equips you with clear explanations and memorable examples. For an extra deep dive, try our hands-on rock formation quiz to reinforce key concepts. Ready to rock? Start now and uncover Earth's hidden stories!

Which process describes the cooling and solidification of molten rock?
Weathering
Lithification
Crystallization of magma
Melting
When molten rock cools it crystallizes to form igneous rocks. Crystallization refers to the formation of solid crystals as magma or lava cools. This process determines the texture and grain size of the resulting rock. Without crystallization, molten material cannot become solid rock. USGS Igneous Processes
What are the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle?
Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
Igneous, volcanic, plutonic
Igneous, intrusive, extrusive
Sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic are the three primary rock types in the rock cycle. Each type transitions to another through processes such as melting, weathering, and pressure. Understanding these categories is fundamental to geology. Britannica Rock Cycle
Which rock type forms from the compaction and cementation of sediments?
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Basaltic
Sedimentary rocks form when loose sediment is buried, compacted, and then cemented by minerals precipitated from water. This lithification process binds grains into solid rock. Common examples include sandstone and shale. Geology.com Sedimentary Rocks
What term describes molten rock beneath the Earth's surface?
Lava
Magma
Tuff
Tephra
Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface. When it reaches the surface through a volcanic eruption, it is called lava. Magma composition and temperature affect the type of igneous rock that forms. Britannica Magma
Which agent drives metamorphism by applying heat and pressure?
Wind
Water erosion
Tectonic forces
Biological activity
Metamorphism occurs when rocks are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, often due to tectonic forces. Plate collisions and deep burial generate the conditions needed for mineralogical changes. This process alters the texture and composition of existing rocks without melting them. Geology.com Metamorphic Rocks
How does sediment become sedimentary rock?
Melting and cooling
Compaction and cementation
Weathering and erosion
Metamorphism
Sediment grains are buried under more material, reducing pore space through compaction. Mineral-rich fluids then precipitate and glue the grains together in a process called cementation. Together, these steps are known as lithification. Britannica Lithification
Which igneous rock is fine-grained and forms from lava cooling rapidly?
Basalt
Gabbro
Granite
Diorite
Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock that cools quickly at or near the Earth's surface. Rapid cooling prevents large crystals from forming, resulting in a fine-grained texture. It is one of the most common volcanic rocks on Earth. Geology.com Igneous Rocks
Which process transforms limestone into marble?
Metamorphism
Sedimentation
Erosion
Melting
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. The calcite crystals in limestone recrystallize into an interlocking mosaic. This obliterates original sedimentary textures and fossils. Britannica Marble
What is the main difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
Cooling rate and texture
Chemical composition
Color
Fossil content
Intrusive rocks solidify slowly beneath the surface, producing coarse-grained textures. Extrusive rocks cool rapidly on the surface, resulting in fine-grained or glassy textures. Both can share similar compositions despite textural differences. USGS Intrusive vs Extrusive
Which factor does not influence the rate of magma cooling?
Color of magma
Ambient temperature
Size of the intrusion
Presence of water
Cooling rate is affected by the volume of magma, the temperature of surrounding rock, and whether water is present. Color is a result of mineral composition but does not change how fast magma cools. Physical and environmental factors control thermal exchange. Britannica Magma
What term describes the precipitation of minerals that binds sediment grains together?
Cementation
Compaction
Lithification
Dissolution
Cementation is the process by which dissolved minerals precipitate from groundwater and fill the spaces between sediment grains. This binds the particles into a coherent rock. While lithification includes both compaction and cementation, cementation specifically refers to the mineral glue. Britannica Cementation
Which of these metamorphic rocks exhibits foliation?
Slate
Quartzite
Marble
Hornfels
Slate has a slaty cleavage that allows it to split into thin layers, a hallmark of foliation. Foliation develops under differential pressure that realigns platy minerals. Quartzite and marble are non-foliated because their mineral grains recrystallize without preferred orientation. Geology.com Metamorphic Rocks
Which mineral's presence is an index for high-grade metamorphism?
Garnet
Clay minerals
Calcite
Halite
Garnet commonly forms under mid- to high-grade metamorphic conditions and is used as an index mineral. Its presence indicates significant temperature and pressure. Lower-grade rocks typically contain chlorite or clay minerals instead. Britannica Garnet
What is recrystallization in metamorphic rocks?
Growth of new, stable mineral grains
Sediment settling
Lava solidification
Mineral dissolution
Recrystallization occurs when existing mineral grains change shape and size without melting, forming interlocking textures. This transformation happens under heat and pressure during metamorphism. It enhances mineral stability under new conditions. Britannica Metamorphic Rock
Which polymorph of Al2SiO5 is stable at high-pressure, low-temperature conditions typical of subduction zones?
Kyanite
Andalusite
Sillimanite
Staurolite
Al2SiO5 has three polymorphs that form under different P-T conditions: kyanite, andalusite, and sillimanite. Kyanite is stable at high pressures and relatively low temperatures, characteristic of subduction metamorphism. Its presence in a rock indicates those specific conditions during metamorphism. Britannica Kyanite
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Rock Cycle Processes -

    Describe the stages of the rock cycle and how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form.

  2. Differentiate Rock Types -

    Distinguish igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks based on their formation and characteristics to tackle rock cycle questions effectively.

  3. Apply Knowledge to Quiz Questions -

    Use critical thinking to solve questions on the rock cycle, reinforcing your grasp of geologic processes in our free rock cycle quiz.

  4. Analyze Transformation Pathways -

    Trace the sequence of processes - such as melting, erosion, and metamorphism - that drive the rock cycle and connect each stage logically.

  5. Evaluate Your Quiz Results -

    Assess your performance to pinpoint strengths and identify areas needing review, ensuring mastery of questions about the rock cycle.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Three Rock Types -

    Review how igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks interconvert in the rock cycle. Igneous rocks crystallize from cooled magma or lava, sedimentary rocks form by compaction and cementation of sediments, and metamorphic rocks emerge when heat and pressure transform preexisting rocks. A simple mnemonic - "I Saw Many" - helps you recall Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic when tackling rock cycle quiz questions.

  2. Key Processes and Pathways -

    Master the main steps: melting, cooling, weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and metamorphism. For instance, magma cooling at depth yields intrusive igneous rocks, whereas surface cooling produces extrusive types like basalt. Remember "MEW-DC" (Melting, Erosion, Weathering → Deposition, Compaction) to map out questions on the rock cycle.

  3. Texture and Composition Indicators -

    Textures (fine-grained vs. coarse-grained) and mineral content reveal rock origins - granitic (felsic) igneous rocks contain quartz and feldspar, while basaltic (mafic) ones have pyroxene and olivine. Sedimentary types split into clastic (e.g., sandstone) and chemical (e.g., limestone), and metamorphic rocks range from foliated schist to non-foliated marble. Spotting these in rock cycle questions boosts your identification accuracy.

  4. Bowen's Reaction Series -

    Use Bowen's framework to predict mineral crystallization order: high-temperature minerals (olivine, pyroxene) form first, followed by amphibole, biotite, then feldspars and quartz. This guides your understanding of igneous evolution and helps answer detailed rock cycle test items on rock differentiation. A quick tip is "O-P-M-A-Q" (Olivine → Pyroxene → Mica → Amphibole → Quartz).

  5. Radiometric Dating Applications -

    Link the rock cycle to geologic time using U-Pb or K-Ar dating methods; for example, zircons dated by U-Pb constrain the age of igneous events. The decay equation N = N₀e❻ᶨᵗ (where λ is the decay constant) underpins age calculations. Recognizing how radiometric tools fit into rock cycle questions about Earth history will raise your quiz score.

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