Rocks Resources And Scenery - Definitions Flashcards
(110 cards)
Sedimentary rocks?
Most commonly, rocks formed from the accumulation of sediment on the sea floor
Metamorphic rocks?
Rocks that have undergone a change in their chemistry and texture as a result of heating and or pressure
Igneous rocks?
Rocks formed from the cooling of molten magma
Crust?
The outer layer of the earth
Geographical timescale?
The period of geographical time since life became abundant 542 million years ago which geologists have divided into eras and periods
What is the rock cycle?
Connections between the three rock types shown in the form of a diagram
Weathering?
The breakup or decay of rocks in their original place at or close to the earths surface (insitu)
Mechanical weathering?
Weathering that does not involve chemical change
Scree?
Deposits of angular rock fragments found at the foot of rock outcrops
Chemical weathering?
Weathering that involves a chemical change taking place
Biological weathering?
Weathering caused by living organisms such as tree roots or burrowing animals
Freeze thaw weathering?
Weathering involving repeated cycles of freezing and thawing
Pores?
Holes in rock
Exfoliation?
Flaking of the outer surface of rocks mainly caused by repeated cycles of hot and cold
Solution?
Dissolving rocks or minerals by rainwater
Carbonation?
Weathering of limestone and chalk by acidic rainwater
Batholith?
A huge irregular shaped mass of intrusive igneous rock that only reaches the ground surface when the overlying rocks are removed
Joints?
Cracks that may run vertically or horizontally through rock
Impermeable rock?
A rock that does not allow water to pass through it
Tor?
An isolated outcrop of rock on a hill top, typically found in granite landscapes
Mass movement?
The downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity
Vale?
In the landscape, a flat plain typically formed on clay
Cliff?
A steep or vertical face of rock at the coast
Permeable rock?
A rock that allows water to pass through it