Formation of rocks: Practice Questions

Which of the following describes the formation of basalt?

Which statement best explains why limestone often contains preserved remains of ancient marine organisms?

Compare the formation of marble and quartzite. While both are metamorphic, marble is the result of metamorphosed limestone. What is the primary chemical difference that would allow a student to distinguish marble from other metamorphic rocks using a dilute acid test?

Which statement correctly identifies a metamorphic rock and its most likely parent rock?

Which sequence of events best describes the formation of sandstone?

Explain the difference in the formation of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.

The following data represents particle sizes of sedimentary deposits:
Rock A: \(> 2.0\) mm
Rock B: \(0.063\) to \(2.0\) mm
Rock C: \(< 0.004\) mm
Identify which rock sample is most likely sandstone and provide a reason based on the grain size.

Distinguish between contact metamorphism and regional metamorphism by comparing the scale of the area affected and the main agent of change.

Describe the formation of sedimentary rocks. In your answer, you should:
(a) Explain the roles of weathering and erosion in creating the raw materials for these rocks.
(b) Describe how the processes of compaction and cementation lead to the formation of solid rock from loose sediments.

The process of lithification transforms loose sediments into solid sedimentary rock.

(a) Describe how the processes of compaction and cementation work together to form rocks such as sandstone or shale.
(b) Explain why limestone is often found to contain fossils, while marble (the metamorphic rock formed from it) rarely contains identifiable fossil remains.