How did it all start?
What are the properties and types of earth minerals?
Why is calcite's reaction to acid a major issue for marine organisms?
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This video from May 16, 2018, shows explosions at fissure 17 of the Kilauea volcano. Researchers determined that instead of the basalt magma that feeds most Hawaiian fissures, this one also contained silica-rich andesite, which contains more gas bubbles than the basalt, making those eruptions extra explosive. |
What are the impacts of rare earth minerals?
The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is also rich in natural resources. One of the official mining sectors has collapsed amid the country’s ongoing conflict, and now both sides are benefitting from the illicit trade of gold and diamonds. Clashes over control of the many mines have also created religious tension in places where there previously had been none.
Task
1. Watch the video and write a report that summarises the POLITICAL, ECONOMIC and SOCIAL impacts of the world's desire for diamonds on the Central African Republic.
2. Suggest why HIC societies and the global economic system continues to value diamonds as objects of wealth and status? Click on the links for wider reading on this.
1. Watch the video and write a report that summarises the POLITICAL, ECONOMIC and SOCIAL impacts of the world's desire for diamonds on the Central African Republic.
2. Suggest why HIC societies and the global economic system continues to value diamonds as objects of wealth and status? Click on the links for wider reading on this.
Task
Carry out some research on the use and impacts of materials that have magnetism within a real world situation. Use examples in your answer. Be specific. You could consider a historical or contemporary example.
Carry out some research on the use and impacts of materials that have magnetism within a real world situation. Use examples in your answer. Be specific. You could consider a historical or contemporary example.
TASK - Formative assessment
Open the link to the article below and make notes on the issues presented.
Log on to your school Office 365 account.
Answer the questions on the forms document in the spaces provided.
When finished, press Submit. Ensure it has sent properly before exiting.
Open the link to the article below and make notes on the issues presented.
Log on to your school Office 365 account.
Answer the questions on the forms document in the spaces provided.
When finished, press Submit. Ensure it has sent properly before exiting.
Task
Would you suggest that feldspar, and other mineral mining, is a positive or negative process?
Explain your thinking and justify using examples.
Would you suggest that feldspar, and other mineral mining, is a positive or negative process?
Explain your thinking and justify using examples.
Task - Formative assessment
Click on the link opposite and choose 1 mineral to explore in more depth. Create a presentation that discusses the minerals:
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Knowledge and Understanding
Will be able to state definitions. Will be able to use appropriate scientific terminology to aid explanation. Analysis Will be able to identify and describe trends and patterns in data. Will be able to graphically represent data. Evaluation Will be able to propose realistic and specific arguments. |
The Rock Cycle
TASK
Watch the videos and make notes on the geological processes that produce the 3 types of rock shown.
Watch the videos and make notes on the geological processes that produce the 3 types of rock shown.
The three main types, or classes, of rock are sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous and the differences among them have to do with how they are formed.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that contains fossils.
Examples of this rock type include conglomerate and limestone.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that contains fossils.
Examples of this rock type include conglomerate and limestone.
Metamorphic
Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth from the metamorphosis (change) that occurs due to intense heat and pressure (squeezing). The rocks that result from these processes often have ribbonlike layers and may have shiny crystals, formed by minerals growing slowly over time, on their surface.
Examples of this rock type include gneiss and marble.
Igneous
Igneous rocks are formed when magma (molten rock deep within the earth) cools and hardens. Sometimes the magma cools inside the earth, and other times it erupts onto the surface from volcanoes (in this case, it is called lava). When lava cools very quickly, no crystals form and the rock looks shiny and glasslike. Sometimes gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process, leaving tiny holes and spaces in the rock.
Examples of this rock type include basalt and obsidian.
TASK
Research the rock types found in and around your home area. Create an annotated map showing:
Opposite is one of the first ever geological maps created by William Smith in 1815. It's findings effected economic and social change through more efficient transportation routes and the exploitation of rocks such as coal and iron ore.
I grew up in an area of coal and clay deposits. This affected the type of industry and socio-economic background found in the region, being predominantly working-class. |
Here are some rock characteristics found within the crust. How many have you seen?
TASK
Click on the link. Create your own rock collection and then add to your knowledge of the rock process. 1. Write down each rock type and add key notes about it in your book. 2. Work through the interactive sections, summarising the processes of heat and pressure, melting, cooling, weathering and erosion, and compacting and cementing. 3. Test your knowledge. |
Left is a diagram of the rock cycle. Make a simplified copy and then use the 2 diagrams shown to answer the questions below. 1. Which rock types experience uplift and exposure? 2. Which rock type in the cycle is most likely to contain fossils? Explain your answer. 3. Describe how minerals and crystals reach the earth's surface? 4. Suggest how intrusive igneous rock can become metamorphic rock without reaching the earth's surface. 5. Write a short paragraph that summarises the rock cycle process shown in the diagram. |
REASEARCH TASK
For each of the geological features shown in the images below, research how each was formed and create a biography for the rock formation.
Use images, diagrams, headings and sub-headings for structure and to aid understanding.
For each of the geological features shown in the images below, research how each was formed and create a biography for the rock formation.
Use images, diagrams, headings and sub-headings for structure and to aid understanding.
The formation and importance of metallic ores
Ore is a deposit in Earth’s crust of one or more valuable minerals. The most valuable ore deposits contain metals crucial to industry and trade, like copper, gold, and iron.
Earth contains a finite amount of ore. Ore genesis, the process by which a deposit of ore is created, is estimated to take millions of years. There are three major types of ore genesis: internal processes, hydrothermal processes, and surficial processes.
Ore can accumulate through geologic activity, such as when volcanoes bring ore from deep in the planet to the surface. This is called an internal process. Ore can also accumulate when seawater circulates through cracks in Earth’s crust and deposits minerals in the areas around hydrothermal vents. This is called a hydrothermal process. Finally, ore can accumulate through processes that take place on the surface of Earth, such as erosion. This type of ore genesis is called a surficial process.
Ore can also fall to Earth as rocky debris from elsewhere in the solar system. These pieces of debris, entering the atmosphere as shooting stars, are called meteorites. Many meteorites contain large amounts of iron ore.
Ore is a nonrenewable resource. Because modern societies rely so heavily on metallic ore for industry and infrastructure, miners must constantly seek new ore deposits. Mining companies have explored every continent, as well as the ocean floor, in their search for valuable ore. This scarcity contributes to ore's value.
Ore can accumulate through geologic activity, such as when volcanoes bring ore from deep in the planet to the surface. This is called an internal process. Ore can also accumulate when seawater circulates through cracks in Earth’s crust and deposits minerals in the areas around hydrothermal vents. This is called a hydrothermal process. Finally, ore can accumulate through processes that take place on the surface of Earth, such as erosion. This type of ore genesis is called a surficial process.
Ore can also fall to Earth as rocky debris from elsewhere in the solar system. These pieces of debris, entering the atmosphere as shooting stars, are called meteorites. Many meteorites contain large amounts of iron ore.
Ore is a nonrenewable resource. Because modern societies rely so heavily on metallic ore for industry and infrastructure, miners must constantly seek new ore deposits. Mining companies have explored every continent, as well as the ocean floor, in their search for valuable ore. This scarcity contributes to ore's value.
Here is how iron ore deposits were formed |
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Copper ore is mined for a variety of industrial uses. Copper, an excellent conductor of electricity, is used as electrical wire. Copper is also used in construction. It is a common material in pipes and plumbing material.
Like copper, gold is also mined for industry. For example, space helmets are plated with a thin layer of gold to protect astronaut’s eyes from harmful solar radiation. However, most gold is used to create jewelry. For thousands of years, gold ore was mined as a basis for currency, or money. Most nations stopped valuing their money on the gold standard in the twentieth century.
Iron ore has been mined for thousands of years. Iron, the second-most abundant metal on Earth, is the main component of steel. Steel is a strong, valuable building material. Iron is used in everything from glass to fertiliser to the solid-rocket boosters once used for the space shuttle to leave Earth’s atmosphere.
Metals are often associated with particular ores. Aluminium, for example, is usually found in the ore called bauxite. Aluminium found in bauxite is used in containers, cosmetics, and medicines.
Like copper, gold is also mined for industry. For example, space helmets are plated with a thin layer of gold to protect astronaut’s eyes from harmful solar radiation. However, most gold is used to create jewelry. For thousands of years, gold ore was mined as a basis for currency, or money. Most nations stopped valuing their money on the gold standard in the twentieth century.
Iron ore has been mined for thousands of years. Iron, the second-most abundant metal on Earth, is the main component of steel. Steel is a strong, valuable building material. Iron is used in everything from glass to fertiliser to the solid-rocket boosters once used for the space shuttle to leave Earth’s atmosphere.
Metals are often associated with particular ores. Aluminium, for example, is usually found in the ore called bauxite. Aluminium found in bauxite is used in containers, cosmetics, and medicines.
TASK
Choose one of the ores from the list and research how it is formed within the crust, where it is found, what it is used for and its importance to modern society.
Choose one of the ores from the list and research how it is formed within the crust, where it is found, what it is used for and its importance to modern society.
- iron
- copper
- aluminium
- gold
- tin
- uranium