Year 10 Rock Cycle homework

This week I'd like you to follow a rock through the rock cycle.

Start with Granite as an Intrusive Igneous rock and then follow it through the rock cycle. Create a flow chart to show what happens at each stage. Consider the component minerals of granite (Orthoclase, Plagioclase, Quartz and Mica), you could follow just one of these through the rock cycle (Quartz might be the easiest?).

How does Granite break down? What Sedimentary rocks forms from the mineral/minerals? What happens to this rock when heat and pressure are applied?

rock cycle animation

Rock Cycle

Coral Itself May Play Important Role in Regulating Local Climate

So it looks as if the chemicals that coral reefs produce actually help to regulate the oceans temperature.
'A new article reveals coral animals produce the 'smell of the ocean' -- influencing cloud formation and protecting themselves against rising seawater temperatures'

More here:
Coral regulates ocean temperature?

More reason to protect and preserve. if you're heading to sunnier climes in the near future - please take the chance to see the stunning coral reefs, but please don't touch them. Do not take anything away from them and do not buy any coral souvenirs. The value of this living resource is enormous.

A bit of a break!

Apologies for the absence. Life became rather hectic!
However the hard work paid off and the last GCSE cohort (39 students) achieved an amazing 74% A*-C which included 26% A*-A grades.
Well done all.

Welcome to the new Year 10's, hopefully you will find some work of inspiration and words of support here.

Sinkholes

It was reported today that the man who disappeared into a sinkhole that opened beneath his house (Link to BBC news story) has not been found and the search for his body has been called off (Another Linky).

This sad news leads us to ask a number of questions....

What is a sinkhole?
Are they common occurences?
How do they form?
How to avoid disappearing down one!

Sinkholes are a natural feature generally found in limestone landscapes (also called Karst Scenery) and formed by the ersoion of the limestone rock by water - usually to allow a channel for water to disappear underground.
They do form in other circumstances, but not as frequently, and are most common in Limestone.

There is some useful information about the formation of Sinkholes here: Formation of Sinkholes

As weak acids in the groundwater cause the dissolution of the Calcium Carbonates in the Limestone it creates cavities underground (hence why cavers and potholing fans really like limestone!). This, combined with surface water seeping through cracks in the limestone from above, causes the roof of these caves to collapse, creating a sinkhole or swallow hole. These have been known to make whole rivers disappear or open up huge craters in the surface. Many of these are harmless and even picturesque...

...other less so....


So, how do you avoid falling in one? Don't live in a house built on Limestone of course!!

Impacts of volcanic ash

Here's a nice little video clip of the impacts of volcanic ash, it focuses mostly on the effects on aircraft.
Effects of volcanic ash

How does volcanic ash form?
What other impacts are there?

World to end in 2036?!

Or maybe not, but either way scientists predict a close call with Apophis asteroid. Apophis is due to pass within 30,000km of Earth on Friday April 13 2029 (unlucky for some?!), and although the Earths gravity will alter its path it should pass on into space harmlessly (to us at least!). However.......
Asteroid closes on Earth

United Nations report that mining has lead to an increase in mercury emissions

Increase in Mercury emissions

For the full story, follow the link above, but for a snapshot - read on.

Basically Mercury is naturally forming element (chemical symbol Hg), it forms the mineral Cinnabar. And has the distinction of being the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and evaporates easily. It is extremely rare, being found in only a few places around the world, although these deposits tend to be heavy concentrations. It is used in flourescent bulbs, and has application in medicine and laboratory work. Historically it was used in thermometers, although this practice was stopped some time ago.

Mercury can be released into the environment by a number of industrial processes; mining, metal and cement production and the burning of fossil fuels. Once emitted it persists in the environment for a long time and can spread long distances.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says: "Mercury is highly toxic to human health, posing a particular threat to the development of the (unborn) child and early in life.

"The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal.

"The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested."

Cinnabar (HgS)

Mercury (Hg) iquid at Room temperature