3. A geology student describes a rock sample she is studying in class. The rock sample is igneous rock, but the student wonders if the material that it formed from was part of a sedimentary rock formation millions of years ago. Could this be correct? Could the material for igneous rock come from sedimentary rock?

Question

Responses

a
Yes, if sedimentary rock is exposed to energy from the sun at Earth’s surface for a long enough time, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
Yes, if sedimentary rock is exposed to energy from the sun at Earth’s surface for a long enough time, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

b
Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

c
No, igneous rock can only form from other igneous rocks. Sedimentary rock cannot change into igneous rock.
No, igneous rock can only form from other igneous rocks. Sedimentary rock cannot change into igneous rock.

d
No, igneous rock forms under Earth’s outer layer due to energy from Earth’s interior, but sedimentary rock only forms at Earth’s surface.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

b Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

This is because igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten magma, which can originate from previously existing rock types, including sedimentary rock. When sedimentary rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressures beneath the Earth's surface, it can undergo processes such as melting and subsequent crystallization, leading to the formation of igneous rock.