Problem 1
Develop a geologic "life history" of a sedimentary rock. Begin with a mass of igneous bedrock in a mountain area and end with your sedimentary rock being collected by a future geology student. Be as complete as possible.
Problem 3
This detrital rock consists of angular grains and is rich in potassium feldspar and quartz. What do the angular grains indicate about the distance the sediment was transported? The source of the sediment in this rock was an igneous mass. Name the likely rock type. Did the sediment in this sample undergo a great deal of chemical weathering? Explain.
Problem 4
If you hiked to a mountain peak and found limestone at the top, what would that indicate about the likely geologic history of the rock atop the mountain?
Problem 6
During a hike in Utah's Zion National Park, you pick up a sedimentary rock sample. When you examine the sample with your hand lens, you see that the rock consists mainly of rounded glassy particles that appear to be quartz. To be sure, you make two basic tests. When you check for hardness, the rock easily scratches glass, which is what quartz would do. However, when you place a drop of acid on the sample, it fizzes. Explain how a rock that appears to be rich in quartz could effervesce with acid.
Problem 9
While on a field trip with your geology class, you stop at an outcrop of sandstone. An examination with a hand lens shows that the sandstone is poorly sorted and rich in feldspar and quartz. Your instructor tells you that the sediment was derived from one of two sites in the area: Site 1: A nearby exposure of weathered basaltic lava flows. Site 2: An outcrop of granite at the previous field trip stop up the road. Select the most likely site and explain your choice. What name is given to this type of sandstone?
Problem 10
This rock sample consists of intergrown crystals. How would you determine whether the rock is sedimentary or igneous? If it is sedimentary, what term describes its texture?
Problem 11
In the years to come, coal will likely represent a smaller percentage of U.S. energy consumption than it does at present. However, it is also predicted that coal production will increase. Explain this apparent paradox.
