GPHY 102 Final: Chapter 11, 12, 13

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Geography
• Course: GPHY 102
• Professor: Ryan K Danby

Document Summary

Chapter 11 : earth materials and the cycle of rock transformation: a mineral is a naturally-occurring, inorganic substance with distinct properties (i. e. , color, lustre, hardness). The most abundant element in the earth"s crust is silicon (30). There are trace elements: aluminum (8%), iron (5%), calcium (4%), and potassium/magnesium (2%): rocks in the earth"s crust fall into three major classes based on the nature in which they are formed. Gneiss (from clastic sedimentaries): the three classes of rocks constantly transform from one to another in what is known as the rock cycle. At the surface, solar energy, tides, gravity, & earth"s rotation provide low pressures and temperatures. At depths, internal heat from radioactive decay and gravity provide high pressures & temperatures. Chapter 12 : the lithosphere and the tectonic system: the earth (with a radium of 6500 km) is composed of different elements: The crust (8-40 km) is mostly silicon.