Rocks

• The Rock Cycle

  1. Magma roses from the mantle and cools to form igneous rock.2. Over time the rocks are worn down and broken pieces press together with Dead Sea creatures on sea floor to form sedimentary rock.3. When rocks are pur under great heat and pressure they form metamorphic rocks.
• Igneous rock


  Formed from cooled magma in the mantle
• Intrusive rock


  Forms when magma wells up into crust and becomes trapped then cools and hardens slowly e.g Granite found in Mourne Mountains
• Extrusive rock


  Forms when after lava reaches earth surface and cools quickly e.g. Basalt found in Giants Causeway, Antrim
• Sedimentary rock


  A type of rock that forms when other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together. It makes up three quarters of the earth's surface
• Sandstone


  Formed from large amounts of sand on beds of lakes or sea floor worn away from Earth's crust. It is usually brown or red e.g. MacGillycuddy reeks Co.Kerry
• Limestone


  Formed when remains of dead sea creature compress together and form strata, it is permeable e.g. Burren Co.Clare
• Metamorphic rock


  When igneous or sedimentary rock become under great heat or pressure
• Marble


  When limestone becomes under great heat or pressure e.g. Taj Mahal India
• Quartzite

  When sandstone becomes under great heat or pressure e.g. Sugarloaf Co.Wicklow
• Human interaction with rocks - energy and heat


  Oil, gas, coal and turf
• Human interaction with rocks - Jewellery

  Gold, diamonds, metals and precious stones
• Human interaction with rocks - Building materials

  Gravel,sand and stone
• Human interaction with rocks - pipes and batteries


  Metal ores such as copper and lead
• Drilling


  Boring down into the earths crust to extract oil or gas. It can be done at land or sea and is used to fuel homes, cars and industry
• Environmental impacts of drilling

  Onshore and offshore spills can cause damage to the local environment and it's natural plant and animal life. Animals can swallow or be covered in the oil resulting in harm or even death
• Economic impacts of drilling

  The Corrib Oil and Gas field project off the coast of Mayo had investment of €3.4 billion from three companies. It has potential to supply 60% of Irelands gas needs and is estimated to supply fuel for up to 20 years.
• Case Study : Carrigtwohill Quarry - Social Impacts

  Air pollution from the Quarry will form in dust. It may result in noise and heavy traffic. The quarry would create a permanent scar on the rural landscape
• Case Study : Carrigtwohill Quarry - Economic Impacts

  The quarry would provide employment for locals and would supply stone and gravel needed for the business industry
• Positives of Quarry

  It creates employment for locals and supplies stone and gravel needed for building industry, creating business. It would also generate income for the local community
• Negatives of the Quarry

  It would create air pollution in the form of dust and leave a permanent scar on the rural landscape. It would cause a rise in noise and create heavy traffic