In this chapter, we will look at the formation, change and destruction of rocks in and on the Earth’s crust. Much of the information you have learned in the previous five chapters is also relevant for this chapter. For example, you will be revisiting basalt and granite rock, plutonic and volcanic landforms, the Munster Ridge Valley and the Burren. You will also revisit plate boundaries, where rocks are changed due to extreme heat and pressure. The case study of geothermal energy from Chapter 3 can also be used instead of Irish gas exploration in this chapter. Therefore, you will be building on the knowledge and understanding you have gained so far in your geographical studies.
KEY WORDS
l Igneous l Metamorphic l Sedimentary l Basalt l Granite l Marble l Quartzite l Limestone l Sandstone l Batholith
l Antrim-Derry Plateau l Munster Ridge Valley l Karst l Cooling l Solidifying l Mica l Quartz l Lithification l Bedding plane l Strata
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l The formation of two igneous rocks l The formation of two sedimentary rocks l The formation of two metamorphic rocks l Landscapes associated with igneous rocks l Landscapes associated with sedimentary rocks l Human interaction with the rock cycle: oil and gas
What you SHOULD know l How to identify each rock by appearance
What is USEFUL to know l Additional rocks in each of the three categories
l Uses of each rock
l Organic rock l Inorganic rock l Compaction l Compression l Regional metamorphism l Contact metamorphism l Foliated l Non-foliated
