Earth Science and Physics

What is a Quarry?

   

(Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Quarry8093.JPG)                                                        (picture taken at the quarry located at Colgate University)

A quarry is large deposit of rock where rock and/or minerals are extracted. They are also often used for getting resources for building materials. Quarries tend to be shallow in depth and often consist of such rocks as granite, marble, limestone, and slate.

What Types of Rocks are Found in a Quarry?

Sedimentary Rocks

   

(Image from http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00461/images/sedimentary.jpg)                    (Image from http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jmpares/gate.jpg)

Sedimentary Rocks are formed from sediments that are compressed and cemented together. They are formed from rock, mineral, as well as fossil fragments that accumulate of time on the earth's surface. This means that sedimentary rocks consist of already existing rocks that have left sediments from weathering, erosion, or other factors. These rocks typically have layers called Strata. Sedimentary Rocks consist of several fragments called Clastics. Sedimentary Rocks include rocks such as Conglomerate, Limestone, Sandstone, and Chalk.

A great link about the process of creating Sedimentary Rock can be found here Sedimentary Rock Formation.

 

Igneous Rocks

   

(Image from http://www.coaleducation.org/lessons/sme/images/elem5.gif)                                                (Image from http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/Pictures/igneous1.jpg)

Igneous Rocks are non-sedimentary rocks that are formed by cooling and the solidification of molten material, also called lava or magma, that is created above or below the surface of the earth. Types of Igneous Rocks include Granite, Basalt, Dolerite, Obsidian, Rhyolite, and Pumice.

 

Metamorphic Rocks

   

(Image from http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/1080/formation_metamorphic.jpg)    (Image from http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/Pictures/meta2.jpg)

Metamorphic Rocks are also non-sedimentary rocks. However, they are formed when heat and pressure are applied to a rock. These rocks also have layers that are called bands, which refers to the parallel alignment or layers of minerals. Types of Metamorphic Rocks include Slate, Gneiss, Schist, Marble, and Mylonite.

 

The Process of Formation (Image)

(Image from https://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/departments/technology/integration/k-5units/rocksandminerals/EFCycleP2.gif)

Types of Surfaces in a Quarry

(Close up pictures taken at the quarry located at Colgate University) 

Multiple types of surfaces can be found in a quarry. They can range from smooth, rugged, round, and flat. Rocks may also differ in their hardness. The question is why do we find so many different kinds of surfaces in a quarry?

Some of this is due to construction. Much of the material in a quarry is used for construction purposes. Other events are a part of nature. Weathering and erosion may also occur, which change the surface appearance. Heavy rain can even move and break rock. At colder temperatures, water that gets into rocks may freeze, causing the rocks to fracture or break. The rocks also contract at colder temperatures, and expand at high temperatures which may be a reason why rocks my break, crack, or alter shape and appearance. Roots and plants within rocks can also cause rocks to break or crack, and even contact with soil may do the same.

 

Convection!!

Why is the air colder at higher altitudes?

   

(Image from http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/1/12/Convection_cells.png);     (Image from http://tonydude.net/physics180/physics180A/units/unit3/images_unit3/convection5b.jpg)

 

The air around us is heated from the bottom or the core of the earth, not from the top. Our environment, whether it be buildings, plants, or objects heat the air around us by absorbing sunlight. Areas that are also exposed to sunlight more also have higher air temperatures. As we move higher, we are moving further away from that source of heat.

(Image from http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/mod_tech/node76.html)

Since we are moving away from the earth, or our source of heat, when we move to higher altitudes, the temperature is generally colder. Molecules near the surface of the earth move closely together, and because of this as well as the source of heat, they move at a much faster pace, and collisions often occur which releases energy and creates heat. As the molecules are heated, they move up. However, at higher altitudes, pressure lessens because of the force of gravity, which means that the once tightly compact molecules will begin to expand. As this happens, fewer collisions between molecules will occur, and due to the fact that they are further away from their source of heat, the molecules will begin to cool and will fall back down towards the earth.

A great link about convection and temperatures at higher altitudes:         http://education.sdsc.edu/teachertech/downloads/climate_answ.pdf

 

Why is There Moss Here?

   

(Close up pictures taken at the quarry located at Colgate University) 

Mosses do not have roots, so moss only needs water and nutrients from its’ atmosphere. Moss may grow on a quarry if the area is moist or wet, when the moss grows it can also discolor the stones or rock. Moss can be seen growing in this quarry because the area is compact, is exposed to sunlight, and contains water and many nutrients. There is also a great deal of moss in this area due to the temperature. Moss strives best at temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In areas with polluted air, below freezing temperatures, lack of water and minerals, or an area with a lack of sunlight, mosses will become dormant.

Discoloration

   

 (Close up pictures taken at the quarry located at Colgate University) 

What causes Discoloration?

Discoloration of rocks, similar to why rock surfaces may be different, can be caused due to weathering and erosion. Over time, there may be different layers and colors of rocks from various sediments. Weathering and erosion can occur due to rain, water, or interactions with the soil.

 

Take the Virtual Field Trip/Experience!

The Quarry of Colgate University

Other Earth Science and Physics lesson plans can be found on the Lesson Plans page