Classifying Rocks
A natural, solid mixture of minerals and grains.
A rock
A extrusive igneous rock found in the Antrim-Derry Plateau
Basalt
What is sediment?
These small pieces (rocks, plants, animal organisms) that break off of the earth weathering and erosion.
quartzite, marble, slate
Geologists classify rocks into these 3 major groups.
What are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks?
The type of rock that forms from magma or lava cooling is called this.
Igneous rock
Why are there little to no visible crystals in an extrusive rock?
The lava cooled down quickly on the earth's surface
Name two examples of sedimentary rocks.
Sandstone, shale, limestone, conglomerate
What does MORPH mean?
To undergo transformation or change.
A rock transforms to sediment by these two processes.
What are weathering and erosion?
This type of rock forms from sediments being compacted and cemented together.
Sedimentary
Igneous rock that formed from magma and cooled very slowly UNDERNEATH the earth's surface.
Intrusive
What is meant by strata?
Layers
How do metamorphic rocks form?
They are sedimentary or igneous rocks that are near magma and get heat from it and pressure from layers above.
I have a sedimentary but then extreme heat and pressure are applied to it. What type of rock will it change into?
A metamorphic rock
This type of rock needs heat and pressure to form.
Metamorphic Rock
In what Irish volcanic landform could I find large amounts of granite rock that formed 350 million y/a
Leinster Batholith
Where in Ireland would I find "Old Red Sandstone"
What is meant by contact/thermal metamorphic rock?
It was formed by heat alone
I have a metamorphic rock that melts, then cools and crystallizes. What type of rock will it turn into?
Igneous Rock
What are the two characteristics geologists use to identify rocks?
Texture, colour, minerals etc
This igneous rock is very light, has holes in it, and can float in water.
Pumice
What is Lithification?
Lithification is the process by which loose sediments combine through pressure and cementation to form sedimentary rocks
What would have to happen to a metaphoric rock in order for it to change into sedimentary rock?
Weathering and erosion
I have magma that cools and recrystalises. What rock do I get?
Igneous