Metamorphic Rocks ROCK!

Metamorphic Rocks are formed deep beneath the earth's surface, when pressure and heat are applied to a sedimentary or igneous rock- making a major change to the structure. Below is an example of a metamorphic rock called slate.

Metamorphosis can be defined as "changing form", and that's why these rocks are called metamorphic rocks. The changes that happen to the rocks only happen under a lot of pressure. That is why these rocks are the most rare out of the three kinds. Even though they are rare we can still recognize some of these rocks as things that we have seen before in our own lives.

Limestone, a sedimentary rock, can be seen all around Indiana University Bloomington's campus making up the outside of most of their buildings. This sedimentary rock turns into the metamorphic rock we call marble.High heat and pressure cause the calcite in the limestone to recrystallize into larger crystal structures that make up the marble.We can see this in kitchen's and fancy floors all the time. So even though the rocks are rare and hard to come by, they are all around us everyday. Below are some more metamorphic rocks you may recognize.

The post below also shows how all three rock types are related and created! It's a great visual to look at it get a better understanding!

And for more fun... If you want to learn more about metamorphic rocks, igneous, or sedimentary you can go to the link below and listen to fun song about the rock family!

http://www.kidsknowit.com/educational-songs/play-educational-song.php?song=The%20Rock%20Family

Sediments to Sedimentary

Our Earth's surface is constantly changing, whether by wind, water, ice, or heat. As these changes occur, one thing that happens is that bigger rocks are being broken down into smaller pieces of rock. These smaller pieces of rock, or sediments, are what we know as sand, gravel, pebbles and clay. As these new pieces of sediments move around, they start to pile up on one another and begin to form layers on the surface. Over time, more and more layers begin to form on top of one another and the layers below begin to compress, or press together, creating, Sedimentary Rock. Some of the most common forms of Sedimentary rocks are, limestone, sandstone, shale and conglomerate.

Fun Fact- 70% of all rocks on Earth are sedimentary rocks!

There are two ways for Sedimentary Rock to form-

• pressure- as more and more layers begin to form on top of one another, the layers underneath compress together under pressure, creating solid rock.
• cementing- some sediments are "glued" together by other minerals that dissolve in water.
  

Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks are the oldest kind of rock. They are formed deep inside the earth where the temperature is very hot. The minerals in the earth are in liquid form and are called magma. Magma pushes toward the earths surface and cools as it reaches the surface. Sometimes the magma cools very slowly and forms rocks. Igneous rocks that cool slowly deep within the earth have large crystals. Sometimes magma erupts from a volcano, it is called magma when it reaches the earths surface. Lava cools quickly and forms igneous rocks.

Tornado!

One of nature’s strongest winds, tornados can reach winds in excess of 300 mph. In an average year in the United States, up to 800 tornadoes will be recorded (That’s a lot!). Each of these tornadoes are placed on the Fujita scale by how much damage they cause. An F0 tornado causes little damage but mainly to trees. However an F5 tornado, the strongest and most powerful of tornadoes, causes the most damage. An F5 will destroy everything in its path, flattening homes and buildings and moving them off their ground foundation.

So, how does a tornado form and work?

Tornadoes are produced when warm and cold air collide with one another. Thunderstorms form in warm, moist air and when it meets the colder air as the storm is moving, the two mix together making perfect, yet possibly devastating conditions, for tornadoes to form.

The Grand Canyon

Erosion and The Grand Canyon

When natural elements wear down the earth's surface this is called erosion. Elements such as ice, rain, wind, heat, and water all play key roles in manipulating land over different periods of time. The Grand Canyon is a well know landmark in America that is a great example of the slow steady movement of water that changed the earth. The Colorado River cut through the plains of Arizona and over millions of years the process of erosion caused the land to reshape into these beautiful canyons.

Erosion happens all around us little by little. Each time the wind blows or the rain pours small pieces of sediment slowly wear away. Overtime these changes become a noticeable part of the earth's surface. So next time you look at a mountain or a valley remember that natural elements can slowly reshape the land that you're looking at.

Tis the Season For Potholes!

Tis the Season For Potholes!


Potholes seem to be an endless problem for everyone. Potholes form quicker in low temperatures, as water from rain or melting snow freezes to form ice. This puts great stress on an already cracked road. If a pothole fills with water the growth may be accelerated, as the water 'washes away' loose particles of road surface when vehicles pass. In temperate climates, potholes tend to form most often during spring months when the pavement is weak due to high moisture content. Potholes can make traveling rough for more than just cars: skateboarding, riding a bike, or walking a dog can be hazardous when potholes are present.

How do you feel about the pothole on campus, to the left of the stop sign exiting the east parking lot?

To report a pothole within Indiana or Michigan please use link. http://www.wsbt.com/news/links/13784867.html