Rocks

Day Topic Materials
1 The Rock Cycle The Rock Cycle Notes
2 Igneous Rock  Igneous Rock Notes
Rock Cycle Igneous Rock Review
Igneous Worksheet
Crystals in Igneous Rocks
Rock Lab
3 Sedimentary Rock  Classification of Sedimentary Rocks Notes
4 Formation of Sedimentary Rocks Formation of Sedimentary Structures Notes
Sedimentary Rock Worksheet
5 Metamorphic Rocks  Metamorphic Rocks Notes

Text Book Support

Chapter 3 in Online Text

Unit Objectives:

  • Explain partial melting and the geological processes that lead to melting
  • Describe, in general terms, the range of chemical compositions of magmas
  • Discuss the processes that take place during the cooling and crystallization of magma, and the typical order of crystallization according to the Bowen reaction series
  • Explain how magma composition can be changed by fractional crystallization and partial melting of the surrounding rocks
  • Apply the criteria for igneous rock classification based on mineral proportions
  • Describe the origins of phaneritic, porphyritic, and pegmatitic textures
  • Identify plutons on the basis of their morphology and their relationships to the surrounding rocks
  • Explain the origin of a chilled margin
  • Compare metamorphic rocks
    • relate the types and characteristics of metamorphic rocks to parent rock, temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions
    • describe the features of the following metamorphic rocks: slate, phyllite, schist, gneiss, metaconglomerate (e.g. stretched pebble), quartzite, marble
    • contrast the two major categories of metamorphic rocks: foliated and non-foliated
    • contrast the two types of metamorphism: contact and regional
    • describe changes that occur in the country rock and in the intrusion at a contact
    • explain the significance of metamorphic grade (e.g., with reference to coal)
  • Compare sedimentary rocks

    · outline the origin and process of formation of sedimentary rocks
    · contrast clastic sediments and chemical (precipitate or biochemical) sediments and the rocks they become
    · describe the features of and identify the following sedimentary rocks:

    – conglomerate

    – breccia

    – sandstone

    – siltstone

    – shale

    – limestone

    – chert

    – gypsum

    – rock salt

    – coal

    • Relate sedimentary features to their depositional environments

    · identify the following sedimentary features: stratification, crossbedding, ripple marks, mud cracks, graded bedding, varves
    · describe sedimentary features that affect porosity and permeability
    · relate particle size, shape, sorting, fossils, and organic structures to particular depositional environments