EARTH SCIENCE
Chapter
Rocks
3.1 The Rock Cycle
Rocks
Rocks are any solid mass of mineral or mineral-like matter occurring naturally as part of our planet. Types of Rocks
1. Igneous rock is formed by the crystallization of molten magma.
3.1 The Rock Cycle
Rocks
Types of Rocks
2. Sedimentary rock is formed from the weathered products of preexisting rocks that have been transported, deposited, compacted, and cemented. 3. Metamorphic rock is formed by the alteration of pre-existing rock deep within Earth (but still in the solid state) by heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids.
3.1 The Rock Cycle
The Rock Cycle
Shows the interrelationships among the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) Magma is molten material that forms deep beneath the Earths surface. Lava is magma that reaches the surface. Weathering is a process in which rocks are broken down by water, air, and living things. Sediment is weathered pieces of Earth elements.
The Rock Cycle
3.1 The Rock Cycle
Energy That Drives the Rock Cycle
Processes driven by heat from the Earths interior are responsible for forming both igneous rock and metamorphic rock. Weathering and the movement of weathered materials are external processes powered by energy from the sun. External processes produce sedimentary rocks.
3.2 Igneous Rocks
Formation of Igneous Rocks
1. Intrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma hardens beneath Earths surface. 2. Extrusive igneous rocks are formed when lava hardens.
3.2 Igneous Rocks
Classification of Igneous Rocks
Igneous rocks can be classified based on their composition and texture. 1. Texture
Coarse-grained texture is caused by slow cooling resulting in larger crystals.
Fine-grained texture is caused by rapid cooling resulting in smaller, interconnected mineral grains.
Course-Grained Igneous Texture
Fine-Grained Igneous Texture
3.2 Igneous Rocks
Classification of Igneous Rocks
1. Texture (continued)
Glassy texture is caused by very rapid cooling. Porphyritic texture is caused by different rates of cooling resulting in varied sized minerals.
2. Composition
Granitic composition rocks are made mostly of light-colored quartz and feldspar.
Obsidian Exhibits a Glassy Texture.
Porphyritic Igneous Texture
3.2 Igneous Rocks
Classification of Igneous Rocks
2. Composition (continued)
Basaltic composition rocks are made mostly of dark-colored silicate minerals and plagioclase feldspar. Andesitic composition rocks are between granitic light-color minerals and basaltic composition dark-colored minerals. Ultramafic composition rocks are made mostly from iron and magnesium-rich minerals.
Basalt
Classification of Igneous Rocks
3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
Formation of Sedimentary Rocks
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
Erosion involves the weathering and the removal of rock.
Deposition occurs when an agent of erosionwater, wind, ice, or gravityloses energy and drops sediments.
3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
Formation of Sedimentary Rocks
Compaction and Cementation
Compaction is a process that squeezes, or compacts, sediments.
Cementation takes place when dissolved minerals are deposited in the tiny spaces among the sediments.
3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
Two Main Groups
1. Clastic sedimentary rocks are composed of weathered bits of rocks and minerals. Classified by particle size Common rocks include - Shale (most abundant) - Sandstone - Conglomerate
Shale with Plant Fossils
Conglomerate
3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
Two Main Groups
2. Chemical sedimentary rocks form when dissolved substances precipitate, or separate, from water. Common rocks include - limestonemost abundant chemical rock - microcrystalline quartz known as chert, flint, jasper, or agate - evaporites such as rock salt or gypsum - coal
Fossiliferous Limestone
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
3.3 Sedimentary Rocks
Features of Some Sedimentary Rocks
Features of sedimentary rocks are clues to how and where the rocks are formed
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphism means to change form. Most metamorphic changes occur at elevated temperatures and pressures. Conditions for formation are found a few kilometers below the Earths surface and extend into the upper mantle.
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
Contact metamorphism occurs when magma moves into rock.
Occurs near a body of magma
Changes are driven by a rise in temperature.
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
Regional metamorphism results in large-scale deformation and high-grade metamorphism.
Directed pressures and high temperatures occur during mountain building.
Produces the greatest volume of metamorphic rock
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Agents of Metamorphism
Heat
Provides the energy needed to drive chemical reactions
Pressure
Causes a more compact rock with greater density
Origin of Pressure in Metamorphism
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Agents of Metamorphism
Hydrothermal Solutions
Hot water-based solutions escaping from the mass of magma
Promote recrystallization by dissolving original minerals and then depositing new ones
3.4 Metamorphic Rocks
Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
Two main categories
1. Foliated Metamorphic Rock Has a banded or layered appearance 2. Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rock Does not have a banded texture
Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
Gneiss Typically Displays a Banded Appearance
MarbleA Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rock