With reference to one rock type explain how it was formed and how it can produce a distinctive landscape.
· Carboniferous limestone is a gray sedimentary rock.
· Limestone is classed as Organic sedimentary rock, unlike Sandstone witch is Inorganic and Gybsum witch is classed as Chemical.
· The fact that limestone is Organic means that it is compiled from sediments that were once living. Limestone is made from Decayed marine life eg. Fish bones.
· Limestone was formed on the bed of a warm sea 350-370 years ago.
· The minerals that make up limestone are Calcium Carbonate (over 50%) and Calcite (crystalline Calcium Carbonate as well as clay and sand.
· The above minerals were compacted (squeezed) together to release air and water by the pressure of the sea.
· Cementing agents in the water bonded the decayed marine life together.
· Lime stone is stratified (layered), Well Jointed and Permissible (water can pass through).
· Limestone is soluble in Rain water, as Rain is a carbonic acid witch dissolves the calcium carbonate (the main mineral in limestone) This process is known as carbonation.
· The bare surface is known as a limestone pavement.
· In the Burren, Co. Clare limestone has managed to create a astounding, distinctive landscape.
· The bare limestone has undergone weathering by rain. This left a distinctive limestone pavement landscape known as Karst.
· To add to the distinctiveness of the Burren. There is a absence of soil as soil needs water to form.
· This further leads to a lack of any vegetation as plants need soil and water to form.
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