Question

1. steve is making a model for geology class, showing how rocks form. he is wondering if his model should show how an igneous rock formation underneath earths outer layer could turn into a sedimentary rock formation. is this possible?

yes, if igneous rock is moved to earths surface and exposed to energy from the sun, it could weather into small rock pieces that could form sedimentary rock.

yes, energy from earths interior can cause igneous rock to break into small rock pieces that form sedimentary rock.

no, sedimentary rock forms at earths surface because energy from the sun causes rock to weather, but igneous rock under earths outer layer is not exposed to energy from the sun.

no, sedimentary rock can only form out of material from other sedimentary rock. there is no way that sedimentary rock can form from material in igneous rock.

Explanation:

Sedimentary rocks form from the weathering (breaking down) of pre - existing rocks. Igneous rocks (under the Earth's surface initially) can be moved to the surface (through geological processes like uplift). Once at the surface, they are exposed to solar energy - driven weathering (physical, chemical, or biological weathering). The weathered small rock pieces (sediments) can then be compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks.

• Option b: Energy from Earth's interior causes processes like metamorphism (for metamorphic rocks) or melting (for magma, which forms igneous rocks). It does not directly cause the breakdown of igneous rocks into sediments for sedimentary rock formation.
• Option c: Igneous rocks can be moved to the surface.
• Option d: Sedimentary rocks can form from the weathering of igneous (and metamorphic) rocks, not just other sedimentary rocks.

Answer:

A. Yes, if igneous rock is moved to Earth’s surface and exposed to energy from the sun, it could weather into small rock pieces that could form sedimentary rock.