UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY (FEGT) ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

UGNA2042 FUNDAMENTAL OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Individual Assignment
Year 2 Trimester 1

Name Student ID Lecturer Title Date of Submission

: : : : :

Salem Ang 09AGB05069

Dr Guo Xinxin

Sedimentary rocks as an economic resource 25th JULY 2011

Sedimentary rock is one of the three main rock groups (along with igneous and metamorphic rocks) and is formed in three main waysby the deposition of the weathered remains of other rocks (known as clastic sedimentary rocks); by the deposition of the results of biogenic activity; and by precipitation from solution. Sedimentary rocks include common types such as chalk, limestone, sandstone, and shale Basically, there are three main types of sedimentary rocks. First, Clastic sedimentary rock is your basic sedimentary rock. Clastic sedimentary rocks are accumulations of clasts: little pieces of broken up rock which have piled up and been "lithified" by compaction and cementation. Second, Chemical sedimentary rock: it have many of these form when standing water evaporates, leaving dissolved minerals behind. These are very common in arid lands, where seasonal "playa lakes" occur in closed depressions. Thick deposits of salt and gypsum can form due to repeated flooding and evaporation over long periods of time. Third, Organic sedimentary rock which any accumulation of sedimentary debris caused by organic processes. Many animals use calcium for shells, bones, and teeth. These bits of calcium can pile up on the seafloor and accumulate into a thick enough layer to form an "organic" sedimentary rock. (GeoManiac, 2007) Most of the economically valuable resources that are extracted from the Earth's crust come from sedimentary rock. Most people know that sedimentary rocks are the source of fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, but the economic value of sedimentary rock influences almost every part of our lives. For example, virtually all buildings and public structures require sedimentary rock in their construction. The cement and the sand and gravel used to make concrete, iron ore for steel, bauxite used in making aluminum, brick and tile, cut stone used for facing large buildings, and even asphalt for the roads which make these buildings accessible.

In fact, almost everywhere you look, you can find examples of the commercial and industrial uses of sedimentary rock. (USGS, 2010)

These are some of the common sedimentary rock that widely used as a resource in variety field. Sandstone sedimentary rocks Sandstone rocks are sedimentary rocks made from small grains of the minerals quartz and feldspar. They often form in layers as seen in this picture. They are often used as building stones. (Refer to Figure 1) Sandstone deposits can be a beautiful part of the natural environment and apart of the breath-taking views at many natural parks and preserves. The sandstone deposits of the the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Mesa Verde, Arches, and Red Rock National Parks to name a few in just the USA provide millions of visitors spectacular views. Uranium can concentrate in uranium minerals in sandstone deposits and many uranium ore bodies are the result. Heavy minerals such as retile, gold, diamonds and others can be found in sandstones from prehistoric placer deposits that are now worked for their economic value. (Amethyst Galleries, 2011) Uranium is one of the potential materials that provide energy to a nuclear power plant and generated electricity in wide area without emits any green house gases. Concurrently, that are many country widely use of this element. Therefore that is a potential economy resource due to high demand of the power plant. Limestone Limestone rocks are sedimentary rocks that are made from the mineral calcite which came from the beds of evaporated seas and lakes and from sea animal shells. This rock is used in concrete and is an excellent building stone for humid regions. Limestone is quarried for roadbeds, building and landscape construction. Limestone used in manufacturing of cement is especially popular in architecture and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe. Limestone is readily available and relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. There is

a wide categorization of lime stone application, this lime stone is used in the preparation of different types of flooring, counter tops, table tops, handicrafts, furniture and roofing. (refer to Figure 2) Shale rock Shale rock is a type of sedimentary rock formed from clay that is compacted together by pressure. They are used to make bricks and other material that is fired in a kiln. Some shale has special properties that make them important resources. Black shale contains organic material that sometimes breaks down to form natural gas or oil. Other shale can be crushed and mixed with water to produce clays that can be made into a variety of useful objects. The clay that processed can be used in produce cement which is one of the important ingredients in building material. (Refer to figure 3) (Geology.com 2011) Conglomerate rocks Conglomerate rocks are sedimentary rocks. They are made up of large sediments like sand and pebbles. The sediment is so large that pressure alone cannot hold the rock together; it is also cemented together with dissolved minerals. The common uses of conglomerate rocks are building material, decorative stones, tiles, tombstones, monuments, aquifers, petroleum reservoirs. (Refer to Figure 4) (Amethyst Galleries, 2011) Gypsum Gypsum rocks are sedimentary rocks made up of sulphate mineral and formed as the result of evaporating sea water in massive. Gypsum play a important role in concrete making, it as a retardant to slow down the reaction between water and cement in order to achieve slow hydration and as a result the concrete with high strength. (Refer to Figure 5)

References: 1. GeoManiac, April 1, 1997. What are the 3 basic types of rocks. retrieved on 23 July 2011. From

http://jersey.uoregon.edu/~mstrick/AskGeoMan/geoQuerry13.html

2. USGS, Aug 18 2010. Uses of Sedimentary Rocks. retrieved on 23 July 2011 from http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/school/moviepage/16.01.26.ht ml 3. Amethyst Galleries, 2011. The Rock Sandstone. retrieved on 23 July 2011 from http://www.galleries.com/rocks/sandstone.htm 4. Geology.com., 2011.Shale. retrieved on 23 July 2011 from

http://geology.com/rocks/shale.shtml 5. Amethyst Galleries, 2011. The Rock - CONGLOMERATE. retrieved on 23 July 2011 from http://www.galleries.com/rocks/conglomerate.html

Appendixes:

1. Figure 1

2. Figure 2

3. Figure 3

4. Figure 4

5. Figure 5