Lesson 1.2 - Rocks and Minerals.pdf

MODULE 1 A HABITABLE PLANET Lesson 1.1 – Planet Earth and its Neighbors Lesson 1.2 – Rocks and Minerals  Lesson 1.2 – Rocks and Minerals Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the importance of rocks and minerals in the Earth 2. Differentiate the different types of rocks and Minerals ...

MODULE 1 A HABITABLE PLANET Lesson 1.1 – Planet Earth and its Neighbors Lesson 1.2 – Rocks and Minerals  Lesson 1.2 – Rocks and Minerals Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the importance of rocks and minerals in the Earth 2. Differentiate the different types of rocks and Minerals  Rocks Naturally-occurring solid materials formed from the aggregation of one or more minerals Constitute the basic unit from which the Earth is made up.  Importance of Rocks 1. Source of Fuel Petroleum products are derived from sedimentary rock deposits. Includes products such as: Oil Coal Natural gas  Importance of Rocks 1. Source of Fuel Coal is mined from sedimentary layers under the ground. Oil is extracted by drilling into sedimentary rocks  Importance of Rocks 2. Source of Construction Materials Some rocks like granite and sandstone are quarried for road, bridge and building construction.  Importance of Rocks 3. Tourist Attractions Huge rock masses can serve as tourist centers. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA  Importance of Rocks 4. Source of Food and Nutrients Sodium chloride (halite) can be sourced from rock salts taken from sedimentary rocks deposits.  Importance of Rocks 5. Parent Material for Soil Formation Soils are formed from the physical and chemical weathering of rocks. Without rocks, there will be no soil, and by extension, no agriculture. The production of food for humans is made possible by the rocks that are turned into soil. The Rock Cycle  Three Types of Rocks 1. Igneous Rocks Formed from solidified material called magma Contain more than one mineral deposit. They usually don’t react to acids The mineral deposits are in the form of patches with different sizes.  Three Types of Rocks Types of Igneous Rocks 1. Intrusive Igneous Rocks Plutonic Rocks Formed within the Earth’s crust Relatively very slow cooling process Coarse- textured 2. Extrusive Igneous Rocks Volcanic Rocks Formed at or near the Earth’s surface Developed by a rapid or very rapid cooling process. Fine or glassy texture Intrusive vs Extrusive Igneous Rocks  Three Types of Rocks 2. Sedimentary Rocks Rocks made up of lithified sediments or plant and animal remains. Lithification – the process of sedimentary rock formation. Typically deposited in strata (layers) Occupies approximately 75% of the Earth’s crust Generalized Steps of the Sedimentary Rock Formation weathering >> erosion >> transport >> deposition >> burial >> compaction >> cementation >> sedimentary rock Lithification  Three Types of Rocks 3. Metamorphic Rocks Any rocks that changes form due to high heat and pressure – Metamorphism May be foliated or banded Can be light or dark colors or a mix of both  Minerals Naturally-occurring inorganic substance that has fairly definite chemical composition and physical properties. Components of rocks Mohs Scale of Hardness Importance of Minerals  Mineral Extraction Most rocks and minerals are mined from the ground to be processed and transformed into the everyday objects we need to use  Mineral Extraction Ore – a deposit that is large enough and contains enough of the desired mineral be extracted for profit. Rocks and minerals are extracted from the ground by: 1. Surface Mining 2. Subsurface Mining  Mineral Extraction Surface Mining – if the ore is at or near the surface of the Earth, surface mining is used. Examples include: Open-pit Mines Quarries Strip Mines  Mineral Extraction Subsurface Mining – used when the ore is too deep within Earth subsurface. Requires digging tunnels into the ground horizontally or at an angle. Iron, coal and salt are often extracted from subsurface mines.  Environmental Consequences of Mineral Extraction Groundwater and surface water contamination Results in the loss of quality of water that could have been useful for domestic uses for a large number of people.  Environmental Consequences of Mineral Extraction The collapse of unfilled tunnels, which creates a hazard or even death to workers  Environmental Consequences of Mineral Extraction Destruction of landscapes - This happens when strip or pit mining is used.  Environmental Consequences of Mineral Extraction Air Pollution Air pollution and slag. Smelting of ores is known to produce many air pollutants that can ill nearly every tree within a 10-mile radius, if not controlled or regulated. Energy Intensive A huge amount of energy (5-10%) of the world energy supply is used for mining and refining mineral resources.  Lesson 1.2 – Rocks and Minerals Learning Task No. 1.2 1. Explain the impacts of mining on the economy and environment as a whole 2. Explain why igneous rocks are considered as “mother of all rocks”.