Ch 3: Introduction to Environmental Geology (Minerals and Rocks) Keller – Flashcards
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mineral
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naturally occuring, solid Earth matieral that has formed by geologic processes; building blocks of the rocks that form the solid framework of Earth's crust
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geochemistry
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the study of the chemistry of the earth, of atoms and elements of importance to geologic processes;
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isotope
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two atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons on the nucleus
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a mineral must...
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1. be naturally formed 2. be a solid 3. have a characteristic chemical formula 4. have a characterisitically crystalline structure
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igneous rock
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rocks formed from the solidification of magma
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intrusive igneous rock
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igneous rock that crystalizes beneath the surface; individual mineral grains can be seen with the naked eye
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extrusive igneous rock
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igneous rock that crystalizes on the surface; individual mineral grains cannot be seen with the naked eye
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law of crosscutting relationships
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states that a rock is younger than any rock it cuts across
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law of original horizontality
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states that a sedimentary stratum, at the time it was deposited, was nearly horizontal; essentially the sedimentary bed is horizontal whether or not the layers are
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law of superposition
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states that for any sequence of sedimentary layers that has NOT been overturned the youngest rocks are at the top and the oldest are at the bottom
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metamorphic rock
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a rock formed from preexisting rock by the effects of heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids
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rock
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an aggregate of a mineral or minerals
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rock cycle
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group or processes that produce igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock
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sedimentary rock
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a rock formed when sediments are transported, deposited and lithified by natural cement, compression, or other natural mechanism; 75% of all rocks exposed at the surface of the earth
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detrital sedimentary rock
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rocks formed from broken parts of previously existing rocks
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chemical sedimentary rock
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rocks formed by chemical or biochemical processes removing material removing material in chemical solution
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weathering
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changes that take place in the rocks at or near the surface of the earth in response to physical, chemical, and biological breakdowns
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physical weathering
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when a solid rock is fragmented by a mechanical process (i.e. freezing, thawing, or wedging)
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chemical weathering
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when rocks are chemically altered or disolved
