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Limestone (i) Explain how limestone rock is formed - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2016
Question 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: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 skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral and mollusks. It may also form through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from water, often in shallow marine environments.
The process begins with the accumulation of these organic materials on the ocean floor, where they undergo lithification, involving compaction and cementation over time due to pressure from overlying sediments. Additionally, geological processes, such as tectonic activity, can contribute to the formation of limestone by altering sedimentary layers and influencing the environmental conditions in which limestone forms.
Step 2
Describe two ways rocks may be of economic use to people.
Answer
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Construction Material: Rocks, particularly types like limestone and granite, are widely utilized in the construction industry. They serve as essential raw materials for building roads, bridges, and buildings, contributing to infrastructure development and urbanization.
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Mineral Resources: Many rocks contain valuable minerals that can be extracted for various industrial uses. For example, granite is often used in countertops and flooring, while limestone is a source of lime, which is pivotal in steel manufacturing and agricultural applications.