ma1 g9 geography Flashcards
When did earth rock first form?
Over 4.5 billion years ago.
Rock is made of minerals. What are the minerals?
Minerals are natural compounds found in rock. They are solid and usually exist
as crystals.
Give three ways in which the building industry uses rock.
Rock and sand is used to make concrete.
Limestone is used to make cement.
Crushed rock (or aggregate) is used in road building.
Slate is used as roof covering.
Rock is sometimes used for worktops and tiles.
How are limestone and chalk formed?
Limestone form from shells and other hard remains of organisms that pile up on
the ocean floor. Chalk forms in the same way as limestone, but from tiny
organisms.
Are limestone and chalk still forming? Give reasons
Yes, they are still forming but shells and organisms continue to form layers on the ocean floor. As the layers get thicker and heavier, the compress the material
below. To form new rock, the process may take millions of years
Explain the importance of rocks and their applications in life
Rocks are an essential part of the Earth’s composition and play a crucial role in
our everyday lives. They are naturally occurring aggregates of minerals and
mineraloids, and their importance lies in various aspects, including geology,
construction, industry, and even cultural significance.
the formation of continents, mountain ranges, and the evolution of life.
List different types of rocks and their uses in
everyday life.
Limestone is another widely used rock in construction, often used for buildings,
roads, and as a raw material in cement production.
Certain rocks contain valuable natural resources. For instance, ores like bauxite
(aluminium ore),
hematite (iron ore),
and limestone (for cement production) are extracted from rocks.
These resources are crucial for various industries, including construction,
manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
How can we conserve minerals?
Promote efficient use of minerals in manufacturing processes, construction, and
daily life. This includes designing products that use fewer minerals, optimizing
industrial processes to reduce waste, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
Minimize waste generation during mineral extraction, processing, and
manufacturing. This can be achieved through better extraction techniques,
improved processing methods, and the adoption of circular economy principles.
By adopting these strategies, individuals, industries, and governments can
contribute to the conservation of minerals and promote sustainable practices in
the use of Earth’s resources.
Describe a sedimentary rock.
Sedimentary rocks begin as pre-existing rocks, which undergo weathering and
erosion due to natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. This breaks down the
parent rocks into smaller particles like sediment.
Agents like water, wind, or ice transport the sediment from its place of origin to
a new location. During transportation, particles may be sorted based on size and
weight
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Metamorphic rocks are formed through the alteration of pre-existing rocks,
known as parent rocks or protoliths, under the influence of heat, pressure,
and/or chemically reactive fluids. This process, called metamorphism, occurs
deep within the Earth’s crust or upper mantle. The changes in temperature and
pressure cause the mineral composition, texture, and structure of the original
rock to undergo significant transformations.
This type occurs over large areas and is associated with tectonic plate
movements, such as the collision of continents or subduction zones.
Intense pressure and high temperatures lead to the recrystallization of minerals,
causing changes in the texture and mineralogy of the rock.
Common regional metamorphic rocks include schist, gneiss, and slate.
Distinguish between rocks and minerals. Describe how igneous rocks are
formed. State their main characteristics.
Rocks and minerals are related geological entities, but they have distinct
characteristics and definitions.
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical
composition and a crystalline structure.
A rock is a naturally occurring aggregate or mass composed of minerals,
mineraloids, or organic materials.
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma
(below the Earth’s surface) or lava (on the Earth’s surface).
Types: There are two main types of igneous rocks
Intrusive (Plutonic): Formed below the Earth’s surface, where magma cools
slowly, allowing large crystals to form. Examples include granite and diorite.
Extrusive (Volcanic): Formed on the Earth’s surface, where lava cools rapidly,
resulting in smaller crystals or glassy textures. Examples include basalt and
pumice
