GL 107 Earth Systems Science

K. Hannula

Discussion questions for 9/7/07

1.  Define:

• Igneous rock: a rock formed from cooling of molten rock

• Sedimentary rock:  a rock formed from the weathered particles of rocks that have been transported, deposited, and lithified. Formed at the earth's surface.

• Metamorphic rock: a rock formed from another rock, changed in solid state at high temperature and/or pressure.

2.  What processes transform igneous or metamorphic rocks to sedimentary rocks?

Weathering, erosion, and deposition of particles.

3.  What processes transform igneous or sedimentary rocks to metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphism: burial, heat, and pressure.

4.  What processes transform sedimentary or metamorphic rocks to igneous rocks?

Melting.

5.  Which minerals on your mineral study sheet would you expect to find in a granite?

Quartz, potassium feldspar, possibly plagioclase feldspar, biotite, muscovite, hornblende.

6.  Which minerals on your mineral study sheet would you expect to find in a detrital sedimentary rock?

Quartz; other minerals are possible depending on degree of weathering.

7.  Which minerals on your mineral study sheet would you expect to find in a chemical sedimentary rock?

Gypsum, halite, calcite.