Week 3 Lectures Flashcards
What factors determine rock types?
Rocks are naturally occurring solid aggregates of minerals or, in some cases, non-mineral solid matter.
How are rocks grouped based on their formation?
Rocks are grouped into three main types based on their formation: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.
What factors determine rock types?
Rock types are determined by texture and composition.
Define texture in the context of rocks.
Texture refers to the size, shape, and arrangement of grains and crystals in the rock.
Why is homogeneity important in rock composition?
Homogeneity is important because it indicates the uniformity of composition within the rock.
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Describe the formation process of igneous rocks.
Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava.
How do sedimentary rocks form?
Sedimentary rocks form through the accumulation and lithification of sediments, often influenced by weathering processes such as rain.
Explain the formation of metamorphic rocks.
Metamorphic rocks form due to changes in temperature and pressure, often occurring closer to the Earth’s core, causing existing rocks to transform into new forms.
How are textures of igneous rocks described?
Textures of igneous rocks are described in terms of their degree of crystallinity, ranging from entirely crystalline to entirely glassy, and their granularity, which is determined by grain size.
What influences the grain size of igneous rocks?
Grain sizes in igneous rocks are primarily determined by the cooling rate during the rock’s formation
Why are igneous rocks significant?
Igneous rocks are the most common type of rock, constituting about 90% of the Earth’s crust, and they are also found on Venus and Mars. They are commonly encountered in everyday life, such as in countertops and curling rocks.
Where do intrusive igneous rocks form?
Intrusive igneous rocks form in chambers beneath the Earth’s surface
Where do extrusive igneous rocks form?
Extrusive igneous rocks form at the Earth’s surface.
Provide examples of extrusive igneous rocks.
Examples of extrusive igneous rocks include andesite, basalt, dacite, obsidian, pumice, rhyolite, scoria, and tuff.
Provide examples of intrusive igneous rocks.
Examples of intrusive igneous rocks include diabase, diorite, gabbro, granite, pegmatite, and peridotite.
How can you distinguish between extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks?
Extrusive igneous rocks are formed at the Earth’s surface, while intrusive igneous rocks form beneath the surface. The distinction depends on the cooling rate during formation.
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Describe Granite.
Granite is a coarse-grained, light-colored, intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. It often exhibits pink feldspar and has larger crystals due to slow cooling beneath the Earth’s surface.
Describe Basalt.
Basalt is a dark-colored, fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals. It forms at the Earth’s surface, cooling down quickly, resulting in smaller crystals and a darker appearance.
What are some common characteristics of both Granite and Basalt?
Both Granite and Basalt are among the most common types of rocks. Granite is intrusive, with larger crystals and a light color, while Basalt is extrusive, with smaller crystals and a dark color.
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Describe Obsidian.
Obsidian is a dark-colored volcanic glass that forms from the very rapid cooling of molten rock material. It is not a mineral because it is glass-like in nature.
Describe Pumice.
Pumice is a very porous, frothlike volcanic glass. It contains vesicles, which are gas bubbles trapped in the rock during the rapid cooling of a gas-rich frothy magma. Like Obsidian, Pumice is not considered a mineral due to its glassy composition.
How does the formation of vesicles in Pumice occur?
Vesicles in Pumice form due to the presence of air mixed with the material during a volcanic eruption, creating a porous structure.
How does Obsidian differ from Pumice in terms of texture?
Obsidian has a smooth texture with no visible holes, while Pumice has a porous texture with vesicles, giving it a frothy appearance.
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How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Sedimentary rocks are formed on or near the Earth’s surface from pieces of other existing rocks or organic material.
What geological processes are associated with the formation of sedimentary rocks?
The formation of sedimentary rocks is related to processes such as erosion, weathering, dissolution, precipitation, and lithification.
Name the four different types of sedimentary rocks.
The four types of sedimentary rocks are clastic, chemical, biochemical, and organic.
What distinguishes sedimentary rocks from other rock types in terms of their formation location?
Sedimentary rocks are not erupted from the Earth’s interior; instead, they form on the surface of the Earth. Notable examples include rock formations in the Grand Canyon.
Why are sedimentary rocks considered among the most interesting?
Sedimentary rocks are considered among the most interesting rocks because they often contain fossils, providing insights into past life forms and environmental conditions.
What is clastic sedimentary rock, and how does it differ from other types?
Clastic sedimentary rocks are composed of fragments or clasts of pre-existing rocks. They differ from other types due to their fragmentary nature.
How is the presence of fossils related to sedimentary rocks?
Sedimentary rocks, especially those of the bio and organic types, often contain fossils due to the preservation of remains in the rock layers.
How do clastic sedimentary rocks form?
Clastic sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and lithification of mechanical weathering debris.
Provide examples of clastic sedimentary rocks.
Examples of clastic sedimentary rocks include breccia, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and shale.
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Describe the composition of breccia.
Breccia is composed of large angular fragments, and the spaces between these fragments can be filled with a matrix of smaller particles.
Where does sandstone mainly originate, and what is its composition?
Sandstone is mainly made up of sand-size weathering debris and can originate from environments such as beaches, deserts, floodplains, and deltas.
What is shale made up of, and how does it typically break?
Shale is made up of clay-size weathering debris, and it typically breaks into thin flat pieces.
How do clastic sedimentary rocks differ based on grain size?
Clastic sedimentary rocks, such as breccia, sandstone, and shale, differ in grain size. For example, breccia has larger grain size, while shale has smaller grain size.
How do chemical sedimentary rocks form?
Chemical sedimentary rocks form when dissolved materials precipitate from a solution.
Provide examples of chemical sedimentary rocks.
Examples of chemical sedimentary rocks include chert, some dolomites, flint, iron ore, limestones, and rock salt.
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How does Iron Ore, a chemical sedimentary rock, form?
Iron Ore forms when iron and oxygen combine in solution and deposit as sediment. Examples include hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).
What is the composition of chert?
Chert is composed of microcrystalline silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is known for making sharp tools. It can also produce sparks when struck, making it useful for fire starting.
What is limestone primarily composed of, and what is its chemical composition?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcite, a calcium carbonate mineral, with a chemical composition of CaCO3.
How can limestone dissolve in water?
Limestone, composed of calcium carbonate, can dissolve in water due to the solubility of calcium carbonate.
How is chert historically used by humans?
Chert has been historically used to make sharp tools and has been utilized for starting fires as it produces sparks when struck.
How do organic sedimentary rocks form?
Organic sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of plant or animal debris.
What are biochemical sedimentary rocks, and how do they form?
Biochemical sedimentary rocks form from the shells and bodies of underwater organisms.
Provide examples of organic and biochemical sedimentary rocks.
Examples of organic and biochemical sedimentary rocks include chalk, coal, diatomite, some dolomites, and some limestones.
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