Geology

Geology

Bedrock Geology of New York State What types of resources are part of Earth’s environment, and how are they important to humans? What are nonrenewable and renewable energy resources? How does the use of Earth’s resources affect Earth’s environment?

Minerals A naturally occurring inorganic solid with definite chemical and physical characteristics.

Rocks > What is a rock, and what is the rock cycle? How do igneous rocks form and how are they classified?
 * Rocks are usually composed of one or more minerals. Rocks are classified by their origin, mineral content, and texture. Conditions that existed when a rock formed can be inferred from the rock’s mineral content and texture. The properties of rocks determine how they are used and also influence land usage by humans.
 * Many processes of the rock cycle are consequences of plate dynamics. These include the production of magma (and subsequent igneous rock formation and contact metamorphism) at both subduction and rifting regions, regional metamorphism within subduction zones, and the creation of major depositional basins through down-warping of the crust.

How do the different types of sedimentary rocks form?
 * Sediments of inorganic and organic origin often accumulate in depositional environments. Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are compacted and/or cemented after burial or as the result of chemical precipitation from seawater.

How do metamorphic rocks form and what are their characteristics?



Minerals What are minerals and how do they form?
 * Minerals have physical properties determined by their chemical composition and crystal structure. Minerals can be identified by well-defined physical and chemical properties, such as cleavage, fracture, color, density, hardness, streak, luster, crystal shape.

How can minerals be identified?

What are some common minerals and how are they classified?

Weathering

Erosion

Deposition

Landscapes

Maps and mapping

Plate Tectonics

Geologic History