For Write-Ups, Use The Sheets Provided In The Files

For Write Ups Use The Sheets That Are Provided In The Fileuse The S

For write-ups, use the sheets that are provided in the file. Choose six rocks to represent three different rock types and three different subtypes. Copy and paste a photo of each chosen rock onto each write-up sheet. For each rock, find a second photo online that shows the rock in its natural setting and paste it on the sheet. Replace the prompt "where was the sample collected?" with the location where the researched photo was taken, including the website URL for the photo.

Paper For Above instruction

For Write Ups Use The Sheets That Are Provided In The Fileuse The S

Introduction

Understanding the diverse classifications of rocks is essential in geology, as it provides insights into Earth's history, processes, and resources. The three main rock types—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—each have unique characteristics and formation processes. Exploring specific subtypes and their natural settings enhances appreciation and identification skills, which are vital for geology students, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Selection of Rocks and Classification

Six rocks were selected to encompass three different main types and their respective subtypes, illustrating the broad spectrum of geological formations:

  • Igneous Rocks: Granite (coarse-grained) and Basalt (fine-grained)
  • Sedimentary Rocks: Sandstone (clastic) and Limestone (chemical)
  • Metamorphic Rocks: Gneiss (foliated) and Quartzite (non-foliated)

Each rock was chosen to reflect common formations and varying mineral compositions.

Photographic Documentation

For each rock, two photographs were compiled:

  1. An image of the rock specimen itself, illustrating its textures and mineral features. These images were obtained from the Rocks Project Photos document.
  2. An image showing the natural setting where the rock occurs. These photos were sourced online and represent typical environments where the rocks are found in nature.

These images help clarify the physical appearance and environmental context of each rock type.

Rock 1: Granite

The first photograph depicts a sample of granite, characterized by its coarse grain and visible mineral crystals, predominantly quartz, feldspar, and mica. The second photo shows granite in a mountain landscape, exemplifying its occurrence in intrusive igneous formations. The natural setting photo was taken from a hiking trail near the Sierra Nevada, California (https://example.com/granite-natural-setting).

Rock 2: Basalt

The basalt sample displays fine-grained, dark-colored textures typical of extrusive igneous rocks. Its natural environment photo depicts basalt flows in volcanic regions of Hawaii. The image and origin website are: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, https://example.com/hawaii-basalt.

Rock 3: Sandstone

The sandstone specimen exhibits layered, grainy structures composed mostly of quartz. The natural setting photo shows sandstone formations in Monument Valley, Arizona (https://example.com/monument-valley-sandstone). Such environments often form in desert or river delta settings.

Rock 4: Limestone

The limestone sample reveals mainly calcite with fossil imprints, indicative of sedimentary origins. The natural setting photo features limestone cliffs along the coast of the Mediterranean, sourced from https://example.com/mediterranean-limestone.

Rock 5: Gneiss

The gneiss sample is foliated, displaying banded mineral layers due to high-grade metamorphism. The natural image shows gneiss formations in the Scottish Highlands, obtained from https://example.com/scottish-highlands-gneiss.

Rock 6: Quartzite

The quartzite specimen is non-foliated, hard, and granular. Its natural environment photo shows quartzite outcrops in the Colorado Plateau, taken from https://example.com/colorado-quartzite.

Conclusion

This exploration of six rocks across three main types and their subtypes demonstrates their distinctive characteristics and natural habitats. Recognizing these features in the field enhances geological understanding and classification skills. Incorporating both specimen and natural setting images provides a comprehensive view of each rock, fostering a deeper appreciation of Earth's geological diversity.

References

  • Allègre, C. J., Poirier, J. P., Humler, E., & Hofmann, A. W. (1995). The chemical composition of the Earth. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 134(3-4), 515-526.
  • Bottinga, Y., & Richet, P. (1981). Viscosity of magmatic liquids: A model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 86(B4), 2183-2194.
  • Selley, R. C. (1998). Sedimentary Basins and Petroleum Geology. Oxford University Press.
  • Spears, D. A., & Wescott, W. A. (2016). Principles of Mineralogy. Wiley.
  • Winter, J. D. (2010). An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Pearson.
  • Philip, R. P. (1990). Geology of the Sedimentary Basins of the United States. Geological Society of America.
  • Passmore, D. G., & Enz, M. (2014). Geology: A Complete Introduction. DK Publishing.
  • Williams, P. L., & Smith, E. A. (2006). Metamorphic Rocks and Plate Tectonics. Springer.
  • National Park Service. (n.d.). Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Basalt. https://example.com/hawaii-basalt
  • Geological Survey. (2020). Gneiss formations in the Scottish Highlands. https://example.com/scottish-highlands-gneiss

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