Earth & Space Science Chapter 6 Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks
Weathering vs. Erosion Weathering: produces sediment by breaking down rock can be chemical or mechanical Erosion: transports sediment through moving water wind gravity Draw a picture of each glaciers of these factors.
How can rocks form from sediment? Lithification (lithos = stone): Compaction—compression by overlying layers (sometimes pore space left, esp. sandstone) Cementation—mineral “glue” Sedimentary features Bedding (seen in hwy rock cuts) Ripple marks Sorting/rounding of grains Fossils
Sedimentary Rock Features Bedding (horizontal layering):
Sedimentary Rock Features Most fossils are found in sedimentary rocks.
Types of Sedimentary Rock Clastic—made of small bits (clasts) stuck together Coarse (>2 mm pieces) conglomerate Medium (1/16 mm to 2 mm) sandstone Fine (1/256 mm to 1/16 mm) siltstone Very fine (< 1/256 mm) shale
Types of Sedimentary Rock Organic/Biochemical formed from/by living organisms Coal Fossiliferous limestone Coquina Chalk
Types of Sedimentary Rock Chemical evaporites and precipitates Rock salt Rock Gypsum Compact limestone Chert/flint
What causes metamorphism? Temperature Pressure
Features of Metamorphic Rocks Solid state change in minerals (remember Bowen’s reaction series?) Foliation—parallel layers or bands—caused by pressure Reorganization of crystals
Protoliths of Foliated Rocks Granite gneiss (banded) Various schist (layered) Shale slate (layered)
Protoliths of Nonfoliated Rocks Limestone marble Sandstone quartzite
Types of Metamorphism Low grade to high grade Regional Contact Hydrothermal (hot groundwater)
Economic Importance of Metamorphic Rocks Building/Construction Slate, marble Metallic mineral resources Ores (iron, lead) Native minerals (gold, copper, silver) Nonmetallic mineral resources Talc, asbestos, graphite
The Rock Cycle