The Formation of Rocks in Ireland
There are three main rock types present in Ireland: Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are rocks which have crystallized from molten rock. Sedimentary rocks are rocks which have formed due to the gradual accumulation of sediment. Metamorphic rocks are rocks which have once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks but changed due to great heat or pressure. Over the course of my essay, I will account for five rocks found in Ireland and there probable rock forming conditions.
Granite
Granite is a common intrusive igneous rock. It is the most widespread type of intrusive igneous rock at the earth’s surface. Igneous rocks form when molten rock is erupted at a volcano and then cools and hardens to form solid rock (Holden, 2012). Granite rock is created when magma is forced between other rocks deep within the earths crust. The magma then cools due to the drop in temperature and crystallizes in caverns deep within the earth. The molten rock cools quite slowly over time, which allows the crystals to grow and develop inside the molten rock. Granite is transported to the surface of the earth by plate tectonics. The collision of continental plates moves the granite from deep within the crust of the earth to the surface. Granite is found in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains. (http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0015252.html)
Granite is distinguished by three features. Firstly, granite is composed of large mineral grains that bind tightly together. Secondly, granite always contains the minerals of quartz and feldspar. (http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/geology/ig_granite.html) These minerals give granite a light complexion, generally a pink or white colour. Thirdly, almost all granite is igneous and plutonic. This is because it formed from a fluid state, which was magma and it formed in a huge, deeply buried body also known as a pluton (http://geology.about.com/od/more_igrocks/a/granite.htm).
Basalt
Basalt is a common
Granite
Granite is a common intrusive igneous rock. It is the most widespread type of intrusive igneous rock at the earth’s surface. Igneous rocks form when molten rock is erupted at a volcano and then cools and hardens to form solid rock (Holden, 2012). Granite rock is created when magma is forced between other rocks deep within the earths crust. The magma then cools due to the drop in temperature and crystallizes in caverns deep within the earth. The molten rock cools quite slowly over time, which allows the crystals to grow and develop inside the molten rock. Granite is transported to the surface of the earth by plate tectonics. The collision of continental plates moves the granite from deep within the crust of the earth to the surface. Granite is found in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains. (http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0015252.html)
Granite is distinguished by three features. Firstly, granite is composed of large mineral grains that bind tightly together. Secondly, granite always contains the minerals of quartz and feldspar. (http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/geology/ig_granite.html) These minerals give granite a light complexion, generally a pink or white colour. Thirdly, almost all granite is igneous and plutonic. This is because it formed from a fluid state, which was magma and it formed in a huge, deeply buried body also known as a pluton (http://geology.about.com/od/more_igrocks/a/granite.htm).
Basalt
Basalt is a common
Bibliography: http://geology.com/rocks/basalt.shtml. 11th October 2012. http://geology.about.com/od/more_igrocks/a/granite.htm. 11th October 2012 http://geology.com/rocks/basalt.shtml. 11th October 2012. http://geology.com/rocks/schist.shtml. 11th October 2012. http://geology.about.com/od/more_igrocks/a/granite.htm. 11th October 2012. Holden, J. An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment 3rd Edition. Essex: Pearson, 2012. Honan, S. Exam Skills Geography 2nd Edition. Dublin: Mentor, 2007. Honan, S. and Mulholland, Sue. Planet & People Leaving Certificate Geography, Dublin, Mentor, 2007. http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0015252.html. 11th October 2012. http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/geology/ig_granite.html. 11th October 2012.