LESSON 4: TYPE OF ROCKS



WHAT IS ROCK? 

Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials made up of one or more minerals. They are the building blocks of our planet, forming mountains, valleys, and even the soil we walk on.

The three basic types of rocks are igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Sedimentary rocks make up most of the rocks on the earth and are formed when bits of rock, soil or organic matter settles and accumulates. Plant and animal fossils can be found in sedimentary rock. When there is an abundance of plants and animals, fossil fuels develop, like oil, natural gas and coal. Types of sedimentary rocks include carbonate rocks, chemically precipitated rocks, clastic rocks and coal.

Examples of Sedimentary Rocks

Carbonate rocks are made mostly of carbonate minerals, coming from of bioclasts created by calcareous organisms, such as corals or mollusks. Limestone and dolostone make up the majority of carbonate rocks.

Reflection

 I learned about the fascinating world of rocks, and it's like discovering a secret language of the Earth.  I've come to appreciate that rocks aren't just inert objects, but rather, stories frozen in time.  Igneous rocks, born from fiery volcanic eruptions, tell tales of molten magma and intense heat. Sedimentary rocks, like layers of a cake, reveal the slow, steady accumulation of sand, mud, and even ancient seashells, whispering about past environments. And metamorphic rocks, transformed by immense pressure and heat, show us how the Earth's forces can reshape even the toughest materials.  It's incredible to think that these rocks, each with their unique story, have been around for millions, even billions of years, and now I can read their secrets!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LESSON 1-2: THE ORIGIN AND STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH - EARTH SUBSYSTEMS

Image
Lesson 1! Lesson 1 : Origin and Structure of The Earth What is Planet Earth?      Earth isn't just any planet. It's the only one that can support life. The more I think about it, the more I realize how perfect it is. Earth sits in the habitable zone, which means it's the perfect distance from the sun for water to exist. Its core creates a magnetic field that protects us from the sun's harmful rays. Plus, we have an atmosphere that keeps us safe from radiation and gives us air to breathe. What Makes a Planet Habitable? There are a few key things that make a planet livable, and I never really thought about them until now: Temperature : Life needs the right temperature to survive. If it's too cold, nothing can grow or live. If it's too hot, life will break down. Earth's temperature is just right, which is why life can exist here. Energy : Life also needs energy. We get most of our energy from the sun, which helps plants grow and gives us warmth. But...
Read more

LESSON 6: EARTH'S INTERNAL HEAT

Beneath the surface of our seemingly solid planet lies a world of intense heat and pressure. This internal energy, the driving force behind endogenic processes, shapes the Earth from within, creating dramatic landscapes and influencing everything from volcanoes to earthquakes.   The Source of the Heat   The Earth's internal heat comes from two primary sources:   Radioactive deca y:  Radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium decay within the Earth's core and mantle, releasing heat energy. This process is like a tiny, continuous nuclear reactor, providing a steady source of internal heat. Residual heat :  From the Earth's formation billions of years ago, some heat remains trapped within the planet's core. This leftover heat from the planet's initial fiery birth continues to contribute to the Earth's internal temperature. The Earth's Layered Structure   The Earth's internal heat is unevenly distributed, creating distinct layers with varying ...
Read more