Earths Resources - Geosphere

the exposure and breaking down of rocks in situ at the Earth’s surface over geological time due to interaction with the atmosphere.

the movement of rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity from the place where they were originally weathered.

the breaking down of rock fragments into smaller pieces and sediments due to collision with other rock fragments during transportation.

the setting out of rock fragments and sediments after transportation by water, wind, ice or gravity.

a solid mass made of one or more materials

an element or chemical compound formed as a result of rock cycle processes

a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably

a measure of a rock’s ability to hold fluid

a measure of the amount of water allowed to pass through a rock

the dissolving or disintegration of racks by weak acids e.g. acid rain (usually small holes/dimples in the rock)

disintegration of rocks by the action of living organisms e.g. plant roots or animal burrowing

weakening of rocks by abrasion, frost shattering or temperature changes

when the sheer force of the water gets into the small cracks and breaks down the rock rivers/sea

when the load hits against the river bed or banks or sea cliff, ice scrapes across the landscape, wearing away the rock

when the load repeatedly knocks into each other and causes the rock to break rivers/sea

water dissolves minerals from rocks and washes them away OR weak acids in the water dissolve the rock rivers/sea

volcanic rocks which form from molten rock under the earths crust basalt, granite, pumice

fromed from sediments which have settled below a body of water, and have been compressed over millions of years sandstone, limestone, chalk, clay, coal and oil (fossil fuels)

rocks formed by being subjeted to tremendous heat and pressure marble (limestone), slate (clay), schist (sandstone or shale)

magma cools slowly underground

lava cools quickly on the surface

• remains of coral and sea life - which contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3) - are laid down at the bottom of tropical seas (during Carboniferous period, 300 million years ago) • precipitation reaction occurs forming precipitate • precipitate and sediments are compressed over millions of years to form limestone

• Building material • Production of cement by heating powdered limestone with clay • Toothpaste • Food additive • Neutralise acidic soil • Removes impurities from blast furnace when making iron

• noise pollution - extraction can be loud scaring farm animals and be frustrating for locals • air pollution - dust from explosions can damage nearby crops and cause (respiritory) health risks for the human population • water pollution - dust and debris is washed into rivers and streams • visual pollution - quarries ruin the scenery • heavy lorries - cause traffic congestion and potholes when transporting the limestone