Geology Flashcards 5.1-5.6

Characteristics of Rock Identification

• Geologists identify rocks by examining their mineral composition, color, and texture.

Major Groups of Rocks

• Rocks are classified into three main types:
  • Igneous rock
  • Sedimentary rock
  • Metamorphic rock

Classification of Igneous Rocks

• Igneous rocks are categorized based on:
  • Origin (volcanic or plutonic)
  • Texture (grain size and cooling history)
  • Mineral composition

Uses of Igneous Rocks

• Throughout history, igneous rocks have been utilized for:
  • Tools
  • Building materials

Formation of Sedimentary Rocks

• Sedimentary rocks typically form through processes such as:
  • Erosion
  • Deposition
  • Compaction
  • Cementation

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

• Sedimentary rocks are divided into three major types:
  • Clastic rocks
  • Organic rocks
  • Chemical rocks

Uses of Sedimentary Rocks

• Sedimentary rocks have historical significance and have been used for:
  • Building materials
  • Tools

Formation of Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs develop as coral animals die and their skeletons accumulate, allowing new corals to build on top.

Geological Significance of Limestone Deposits

• Limestone deposits, derived from coral reefs, offer insights into:
  • Changes in Earth's surface due to plate tectonics
  • Past environmental conditions

Conditions for Metamorphic Rock Formation

• Metamorphic rocks form under conditions of high heat and pressure deep within Earth.

Classification of Metamorphic Rocks

• Metamorphic rocks are classified by:
  • The arrangement of grains within the rock

Uses of Metamorphic Rocks

• Metamorphic rocks serve various purposes, often in construction and art.

The Rock Cycle

• The rock cycle is a continual process driven by internal and surface forces that:
  • Build, destroy, and transform rocks in Earth's crust.

Role of Plate Tectonics in the Rock Cycle

• Plate tectonics initiate the rock cycle by:
  • Forming magma, which becomes igneous rock
  • Causing faulting, folding, and other movements that lead to the formation of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.