Purchase Solution

Origin of rocks and rock sequences

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

(i) What environment and processes are involved in the formation of the following rock types:
Granite
Slate
Limestone
Shale or mudstone

(ii) Using relative dating methods place the following events in the correct chronological order (most recent first). Some events may be used more than once.
? A time gap in deposition
? Deposition of shale
? Intrusion of granite pluton
? Folding of shale
? Metamorphism of shale
? Deposition of limestone
? Uplift, weathering and erosion

(ii) Using the above events and the information in the answer to (i) state a brief geological history of the area starting with the oldest event.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution examines the origin of several named rock types, a "Steno's Principles" type reorganization of rock strata and then uses these strata to form a geologic history.

Solution Preview

1. Granite: this is an igneous intrusive (plutonic) rock of felsic to intermediate character. That is to say, it occurs via the intrusion of magma at depth and cools in that environment forming "largish" (phaneritic - meaning visually discernible) crystals due to slow cooling. Its chemistry - being felsic - would refer to it occurring in a continental zone where the intruding mafic magma would interact with the thicker continental crust during ascension (refer in your text to Bowen's reaction series) or see: http://maps.unomaha.edu/Maher/geo117/bowens.html

Thus in direct answer - intrusion of magma in a continental region followed by slow underground cooling could yield a granite.

Slate: Slate is a low grade metamorphic rock derived from clay-sized particles (and generally clay minerals - hydrated phyllosilicates mainly see: http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/clays.htm for details) along with other secondary minerals/elements that generally add color and/or other minor characteristics. ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Structure of the Earth

Basic introduction to terms related to the structure of the Earth, including definitions and application of knowledge. This quiz focuses on the spheres.

Environmental Laws

The quiz tests some basic US environmental laws and policies.

"Tornadoes and Hurricanes" Vocabulary

Brief introduction to vocabulary terms related to the atmosphere. Definitions are related to conditions for tornadoes and hurricanes.

Gems, Fossils, and Space Rocks

Brief introduction to basic information related to gems, fossils, and space rocks. Great for introducing a science unit to students!

Basic Vocabulary - The Hydrosphere

This quiz reviews basic terms related to the Hydrosphere for Earth Science. Multiple choice is utilized to select the correct vocabulary word matched to the given definition.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Relative Dating Methods

    However, I decided to list all possible sequences). #1 From the oldest to the youngest: 1. Slate (parent rock shale) (principle of superposition and principal of original horizontality). 2.

  • WK1 Discussion Questions

    What are the three rock types, and how are they formed? Where are they generally located? What are the attributes of their composition? The three major rocks types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

  • Sedimentary Rocks

    Also, the type of fossil found in a sedimentary rock suggests the rock's origin: a marine fossil, for instance, suggests that the rock formed from sediments deposited in the sea.

  • Mountain Belt Formation

    During accumulation phase, sequences of sedimentary or volcanic rocks are deposited. Most sedimentary and some volcanic rocks are deposited in a marine environment, and are derived from some nearby continental or island arc area.

  • Rocks: Solid Earth

    This is called fractional fusion and the separated rock can be a different rock type than its source, despite originating from it and being from the same magmatic origin.

  • Difference between Basaltic and Granitic/Pyroclastic Magma

    The solution explains the differences in the composition, behavior, and origin of granitic and pyroclastic magmas. The explanation is given in 332 words.

  • Inferring Rock Formation Through Texture and Mineral Composition

    Shale rock is a type of sedimentary rock formed from clay that is compacted together by pressure. 4. Conglomerate rocks are sedimentary rocks. They are made up of large sediments like sand and pebbles.

  • The rock cycle

    As the tectonic plates of the earth collide and mountains are built, the rocks along the edges of the plates are subjected to enormous pressures, and the rocks are transformed into metamorphic rock through the process of regional metamorphosis.

  • Diversity of Rocks

    What are the chef rock types, and which processes may change one rock type into another? What are the temperature and pressure conditions leading to differing characteristics of rocks?

View More Related Solutions