The rock cycle is very important to us because it explains the way the different types of rocks are formed on earth. The rocks currently visible on the Earth’s surface have moved through transition stages that transformed them from one form into another. The importance of the rock cycle lies in how it forms and recycles the various layers that make up the Earth. To do this‚ the cycle moves through three different stages that produce three different types of rock. Igneous rock makes up the foundation
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The rock cycle involves of a chain of continual progressions through which earth materials change from one form to another over time. Some processes in the rock cycle happen over millions of years and others occur much more quickly. There is no real starting or completion to the rock cycle; however‚ it may be appropriate to begin investigating the rock cycle with magma (Bergman 2005). Magma‚ or molten rock‚ forms only at certain locations within the earth‚ mostly along plate boundaries. Magma crystallizes
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Write a 500- to 750-word explanation regarding the role of plate tectonics in the origin of igneous rocks. To begin‚ igneous rocks come from magma‚ and magma is related to plate tectonics. Magmas differ in composition‚ temperature and viscosity. This is a major identifier of igneous rocks‚ is that they were once molten and magma Plate tectonics are the theory that the Earth’s lithosphere‚ which is the outer rigid shell is composed of several different pieces‚ or “plates” that float on a ductile
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Level Material History of Rock Worksheet Leah Bechtel 12/09/2012 SCI/245 Robert Dillon Write a 500- to 750-word explanation regarding the role of plate tectonics in the origin of igneous rocks. The role of plate tectonics in the origin of igneous rock is extremely important. Igneous rock is formed from magma that reaches the continental and oceanic crust or through hot spots that are around the world. There are three different places where igneous rocks can form; where the lithospheric
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Minerals and Rocks Minerals Minerals: Minerals are elements or compounds found in the earth. The elements or compounds are called minerals if they have five features. They are solids. They are formed naturally in the earth. They have the same chemical makeup throughout They are not alive or made of living things. They have definite arrangement of atoms. 3‚000 different minerals are found in the earth. Some are common but most are rare. Aluminum‚ quartz‚ feldspar
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Metamorphic Rock Metamorphism means to change form; this is exactly what metamorphic rocks do. This paper will take a look at the Earth’s rock cycle to examine exactly where the metamorphic rock fits into it. It will also look at how metamorphic rocks are formed and the relationship between metamorphic rocks and igneous rock and sedimentary rocks. This paper will examine the geological characteristics and materials of metamorphic rocks‚ and examine some examples of metamorphic rocks and will describe
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A joint is defined as a fracture in a rock between the sides of which there is no observable relative movement. They are present is most consolidated rocks of igneous‚ metamorphic and sedimentary origin. Joints may form as a result of either diastrophism or contraction. Description: (i) A series of parallel joints is called a ’joint set’. (ii) Two or more joint sets intersecting each other produce a ’joint system’. (iii) Two sets of joints nearly at right angles to one another‚ produced by the
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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
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Describe how igneous activity can affect the landscape Igneous intrusions form when cooling‚ crystallization and loss of gases cause a once fluid magma to solidify. Most rocks that form intrusions originate as either granitic or basaltic magma. Granitic magmas are low density and small quantities‚ just a few kilometers wide‚ rise slowly through the earth’s upper crust‚ pushing existing country rock aside. However‚ very large granite masses‚ which can be up to 1‚000 times larger‚ are formed when magma
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Metamorphic rocks are the transformation of the existing rocks‚ the protolith through the process of metamorphism. The Protoliths can be the igneous rock‚ sedimentary rock or any old metamorphic rock. Due to severe heat and pressure‚ the protolithis get various chemical or physical changes. These rocks create a huge part of the Earth’s crust and these can be classified by the mineral and chemical assemblage and by the textures. Examples of the metamorphic rocks are: slate‚ gneiss‚ schist‚ marble
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