Geology (from the Greek , g, i.e. "earth" and -o, -logia, i.e.

"study of, discourse"[1][2]) is an earth

science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change.
Geology can also refer generally to the study of the solid features of any celestial body (such as the geology of the
Moon or Mars).
Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth by providing the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary
history of life, and past climates. Geology is important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation,
evaluatingwater resources, understanding of natural hazards, the remediation of environmental problems, and for
providing insights into past climate change. Geology also plays a role in geotechnical engineering and is a
major academic discipline.

Clay soil particles are very small and compact. Gardens with these types of soil particles dont
work well because the air has a hard time getting to the roots. The soil absorbs and holds water and
creates a drainage problem. This adversely affects healthy root and plant growth.

Sandy soil particles are large. The water and nutrients (particularly nitrogen) quickly drain away
from the plant root zone. Sandy soil is the opposite of clay soil.

Silt soil is made up of fine particles. Like clay the soil holds water but doesnt have good aeration
around the roots.

Types of Rocks
Rocks are not all the same!
The three main types, or classes, of rock are sedimentary, metamorphic, andigneous 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.
Characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks
Deposited at the earths surface by wind, water, glacier ice, or biochemical processes
Typically deposited in strata (layers) under cool surface conditions. This is in contrast to stratified
volcanic rock (tuff), which has a hot origin.
Types of Sedimentary Rock
Clastic: made up of CLASTS (broken-off particles) and CEMENT (typically calcite, quartz, or hematite)
Examples: sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate
Chemical/Biochemical: deposited by inorganic means such as precipitation or evaporation (commonly
consisting of one mineral), or originated through the activity of living organisms Examples: limestone,
chert

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.
Characteristics:
1. Classified by texture and composition.
2. Rarely has fossils.
3. May react with acid.
4. May have alternate bands of light and dark minerals.
5. May be composed of only one mineral, ex. marble & quartzite.
6. May have layers of visible crystals.
7. Usually made of mineral crystals of different sizes.
8. Rarely has pores or openings.
9. May have bent or curved foliation.
Metamorphic rocks are usually harder and denser than other rock types due to the intense heat and pressure they
are exposed to. A great characteristic to recognize a metamorphic is to look for bands or foliation of the rock sample.
The banding in metamorphic rocks has a stripped appearance. The thicker the bands the more intense the heat and
pressure conditions were to form the rock.
Elizabeth H 7 years ago
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.
The word "igneous" comes from a Greek word for fire
Some cool slowly, deep under the earth's surface. These are called intrusive igneous rocks. The slow cooling formed
rocks with large crystals
Other rocks formed when the magma erupted from a volcano or reached the earth's surface through long cracks. Magma
is called lava when it reaches the earth's surface. Lava cools quickly and forms rocks with small crystals. They are called
extrusive igneous rocks.

1.Normally contains no fossils

2.Rarely reacts with acid
3.Usually has no layering

4.Usually made of two or more minerals

5.May be light or dark colored
6.Usually made of mineral crystals of different sizes
7.Sometimes has openings or glass fibers
8.May be fine-grained or glassy (extrusive)
Tri Huynh 5 years ago