To claim this earthcache please answer the following questions:
1) looking across to the layers in the rocks, are they igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary rocks?
2) using the information available at Waypoint 1 to prove you were here. This is the route of who's trail?
3) not required but posting a picture with your log would be great!
Difference Between Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks
The Earth’s crust is made up of rocks that are composed of various minerals. Rocks are formed by various mineral combinations; minerals are composed of elements.
The three main types of rock found in the crust of the earth are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. This categorization was created by geologists depending on the tectonic processes that created these rocks.
Igneous, Sedimentary vs Metamorphic Rocks
The main difference between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks is that they are based on their source, development, structure, categorization, etc. Igneous rocks develop when magma cools. On the other hand, precedent rock deposits form the basis of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks arise as a result of the change of other rocks.
Igneous rocks are formed by cooling and solidifying magma or lava that burst through the earth’s surface. The majority of these rocks are crystalline. Granite, rhyolite, and gabbro are examples of igneous rocks.
Sedimentary rocks form as a result of a combination and depositing of all other antecedent rocks or microscopic fragments of the creature remains that become bonded at the base of waterways. The structure of these rocks is fragmented. Arkose, flint, and conglomerate are examples of sedimentary rocks.
Heat and pressure cause chemical and strong changes in pre-existing rocks, resulting in metamorphic rocks. The rocks are incredibly tough and have a foliated appearance. Marble, gneiss, schist, and other metamorphic rocks are examples.
What are Igneous Rocks?
When the molten state cools and hardens to create crystallized material, igneous rocks are formed. These rocks are referred to as ‘primary’ since they were formed from fluid (as compared to high-grade sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, which were formed from pre-existing rocks).
The rocks are widespread, accounting for 95 percent of the earth’s upper crust. Furthermore, there are about 700 distinct types of these rocks. Basalt is a well-known igneous rock that is utilized in the development of most kitchen counters.
What are Sedimentary Rocks?
Sedimentary rocks are created from antecedent rocks and pieces of previously living creatures by erosion, transit, deposition, compression, and coalescence. Over millions of years, these rocks form at the base of water bodies such as oceans and rivers.
Sedimentary rocks are classified into three types: sandstone, organic, and chemically precipitate rocks. Clastic sedimentary rocks arise as a result of the physical weathering of antecedent rocks.
Sustainably grown, sedimentary rocks are made of the leftovers of perished living organisms that have gathered and accumulated over time. At times, a chemical reaction between two minerals present in rocks can occur. Whenever these minerals freeze, they precipitate, resulting in the formation of geochemical sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks include breccia, clastic rock, claystone, oolite, dolostone, and shale.
What are Metamorphic Rocks?
Antecedent rocks perform biochemical and physiological transformations once they are subjected to load and temperature swings, leading to metamorphic rocks. The rocks are exposed to heat in the top of 150 centigrade and force in larger amounts of 1,500 psi to obtain additional rocks.
Metamorphic rocks are classified into two types. Non-foliated rocks lack the thin-lined structure that foliated rocks have.
The overwhelming majority of the crust is formed from metamorphic rocks. it’s a standard quiet rock. The Taj Mahal is a massive metamorphic rock made completely of marble. Examples include greenschist, mylonite, flint, hornfels, and other metamorphic rocks.
Main Differences Between Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks
- Molten material hardens to make igneous rocks. Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, on the other hand, are formed from pre-existing rocks.
- Igneous rocks have a crystalline nature, whereas sedimentary rocks are shattered and layered, and metamorphic rocks seem to be either foliated or non-foliated.
- The top portion of the crust of the earth is made up of 95 percent igneous rocks, with the residual fraction made up of several different rocks and minerals.
- In comparison to igneous rocks, which are found in the earth’s crust or mantle, and sedimentary rocks, which are found at the bottom of watercourses, metamorphic rock deposits are located nearer to the surface.
- Granite, the most well-known igneous rock, is used to make kitchen countertops. Sea salt is a sedimentary rock that is eaten globally. Marble and other metamorphic rocks are utilized in the construction of houses and buildings.
Conclusion
The genesis, structure, composition, and other characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks may clearly distinguish them. The three types of rocks seem to be the same mineral or sediments passing throughout a rock cycle at times.
Weathering and cementation, for example, can transform an igneous rock into sedimentary rock. If exposed to variations in pressure and heat, this rock could further transform into a metamorphic rock.
References
- https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/sepm/jsedres/article-abstract/33/3/559/95657
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0016714285900018