The Contact Between Shale and Conglomerate Paper Example

The shale is tabular. This is because the dip direction is the same on either side of the shale layer. Also on either side of the layer, the elevation increases from east to west along the contact between the conglomerate and shale.

The contact between shale and conglomerate is the uppermost contact

The rank is shown by numbers 1 to 6 which represent the oldest to the youngest unit on the map. It is map A which shows all the units hence I have ranked them using that map instead of map B. look for the encircled numbers indicated on map A.

Both volcanic and sedimentary rocks geologically characterize this area. The existence of these rocks is attributed to the volcanic eruption which occurred as shown by the exploration well indicated on the map B. During this eruption lava flow occurred which attributed to the formation of different types of sedimentary rocks due to exposure to various conditions. Some of the sedimentary rocks forms include shale, conglomerate and diamictite rocks. Below is a description of what lead to the formation of these different types of rocks as lava continued to flow during the eruption period.

Shale

This type of rock falls under the category of sedimentary rocks. Mud and fragments characterize it. The mud is usually associated with a mix of clay minerals while fragments are particles of silt sizes. These fragments can either be quartz or calcite. These rocks usually have tabular shape layers. Shale is known to be the common type of sedimentary rock.

Conglomerate

This is another type of sedimentary rock characterised with a rough surface. They are formed when gravel undergoes consolidation and lithification under pressure of the overlying materials. They generally contain grained sediments such as silt, sand or clay. It can also be a combination of the three leading to the formation of a matrix as normally referred to by the geologists. These sediments are held together by iron clay, calcium carbonate, silica or clay which is hardened. The sizes of these gravel sized gravels can either be uniform or vary. This means you can find a composition which is different from the other in different conglomerate rocks. There is a situation whereby you can find conglomerate composed of clay which was present during the time of deposition. These types of rocks can be found in other forms of sedimentary rocks but they usually form a very small percentage in weight. In addition to the above mentioned about conglomerate, they have a classification which mainly depends on the purpose of the research and classification.

Volcanic rocks

These rocks are formed when an eruption occurs from magma. Their difference from an igneous rock is only because it forms as result of magma originating from eruption activities. They contribute significantly towards the formation of sedimentary rock when they undergo weathering leading to accumulation of sediments essential for the creation of sedimentary rocks. Their mode of formation is regarded to be artificial by geologists. They are classified to belong into hypabyssal rocks class and as such are not treated differently from hypabyssal and metamorphic rocks. There are mostly referred to as metavolcanic rocks. These rocks form the large percentage of the rocks found on the earth surface. They are primarily found in oceans and are estimated to cover 8 per cent of the earth surface.

Igneous rocks

These types of rocks are formed through cooling and solidification of the magma or what is referred to as lava. This magma is either from partially melt rocks in either crust or mantle. These melts are attributed by high temperature or decrease in pressure in these regions beneath the earth surface. Another factor contributing to this is contributed by different composition. When this solidification occurs there are two types of rocks which are likely to be formed. These include intrusive and extrusive. Intrusive form when magma solidifies below the other surface while extrusive above the earth surface.

This is calculated using the taking the highest point on the map which is represented by contour 500 and minus the lowest point to strike diamictite on the map B which is 112.5 meters. The answer is 387.5 meters deep.

The cross-section is shown on map B which depicts the topography of the region covered on the geological map.

This is obtained by taking a thread to measure the thickness of the shale layer and benchmark it with scale given on the map. The true thickness of the shale layer is 187.5 meters.