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A. Limestone (i) Explain how limestone rock is formed - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2016
Question A
A. Limestone (i) Explain how limestone rock is formed. (ii) Describe two ways rocks may be of economic use to people.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A. Limestone (i) Explain how limestone rock is formed - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2016
Step 1
Explain how limestone rock is formed.
Answer
Limestone is primarily formed through the accumulation of biological debris, particularly from organisms like corals and shellfish. This process occurs in marine environments where these organisms thrive. The shells and skeletons of these creatures, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, settle on the ocean floor after they die.
Over time, these deposits are compacted under layers of sediment, and the pressure leads to lithification—the process that converts sediments into solid rock. Additionally, limestone can form through chemical precipitation where calcium carbonate crystallizes out of water saturated with calcium ions, often occurring in fresh and saline waters under specific conditions.
Step 2
Describe two ways rocks may be of economic use to people.
Answer
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Construction Materials: Rocks such as granite and limestone are widely used in the construction industry. They are valued for their durability and aesthetic appeal, often utilized for building structures, roadways, and monuments.
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Resource Extraction: Many rocks, including coal and granite, serve as sources of valuable minerals and fossil fuels. These resources are crucial for energy production, manufacturing, and various industrial applications, providing economic benefits through mining and processing.