Human Interaction with the Rock Cycle 5 th year Geography

Learning Outcome Identify the economic value and uses of Rocks Examine Human Interaction with the Rock Cycle during the process of Quarrying

Economic Value of Rocks Recreation; Hill walking, Climbing Tourism; Burren Decorative Pieces; Fireplaces, Headstones, Worktops Construction Materials; Gravel, Limestone Metals; Lead, Zinc, Gold Energy Source; Coal, Oil, Gas, Geothermal

Uses of Certain Rocks RockUse BasaltRoad Chippings SandGlass LimestoneFertiliser SlateRoofing Coal/OilHeating China ClayPottery

Quarrying Important Resources Construction Industry Granite, Limestone and Marble are the most common rocks quarried in Ireland

What is Quarrying? Removal of Rocks from the Earths Surface 400 active quarries in Ireland In recent year with the improved developments in infrastructure in Ireland, there has been an increased demand for quarried materials

Chapter 5: The Rock Cycle Methods of quarrying I. Plug and feather  drilling holes  split the rock  extracting large pieces, e.g. floor covering II. Explosive  extracting large and small pieces of rock III. Channelling  machinery cuts large slices of rock  metamorphic rock such as marble

Chapter 5: The Rock Cycle Positive impacts of quarrying  Direct employment  Construction  Indirect employment

Chapter 5: The Rock Cycle Negative impacts of quarrying  Visual pollution  Noise pollution  Heavy machinery damage to infrastructure  Dust pollution  Water pollution  Disused quarries

Case Study; Carrara Marble  Tuscany, Italy  White or blue-grey marble  Used since the time of ancient Rome  Statue of David – Michelangelo  Exported all around the world  Construction of buildings  Warm countries  Reflect light  Create an air of coolness

Major Case Study Tara Mines, Co Meath.

Homework Pg 59 – 61 Q; 1, 6, 7, 10 In Exercise Copy