a2 g e o l o g y- e s t a（a2 g o e l o g y - e s t）.docVIP

A2 GEOLOGY SPECIFICATION The A2 Geology course comprises: Unit GL4 Interpreting the Geological Record Unit GL5 Geological Themes - a choice of two out of four themes Unit GL6 Geological Investigations UNIT GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD – Exam 2hrs E1: ROCK FORMING PROCESSES This sub-unit aims to develop: an extended concept of the rock cycle to deepen knowledge with understanding of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. extended skills in identifying and interpreting rocks using their compositions, textures and other diagnostic features. Key Idea 1: Different environments and processes of magma formation generate different types of igneous rocks (a) Melting of rock material at depth to form magma occurs in a number of different plate environments: beneath constructive plate margins - partial melting of mantle rocks generates basaltic magma. near to destructive plate margins - partial melting of subducted oceanic lithosphere and overlying lithospheric wedge generates andesitic magma. in mantle plumes (hotspots) - partial melting of mantle rocks generates basaltic magma. in deeply buried lower continental crust during orogeny - melting of crustal material generates granitic magma. Techniques Skills i) interpretations of models of magma chambers under ocean ridges and rises. iii) investigation of global distribution of mantle plumes from maps. (iv) simple calculation of depth of formation of granite magma by crustal melting by interpretation of graphs showing continental geotherm and melting temperatures of wet and dry lower crustal material. (b) Mechanisms of emplacement and extrusion of magmas depend on magma density, viscosity and fluid pressure: rise due to buoyancy forces; rate of rise controlled by viscosity; forcible intrusion into surrounding rock if fluid pressure exceeds confining pressure; importance of gas content. (c) Igneous rock composition and texture depend on magma composition, cooling rate and crystallisation processes. I