Rocks and Soils

GEOGRAPHY

Unit - 1

Rocks and Soils

Learning Objectives

▶ To understand the nature of rocks, their types and uses.

▶ To identify the different types of rocks.

▶ To study about the nature of soil and its composition

▶ To understand the importance of soil conservation

Introduction

Have you ever noticed any mountains or rocks nearby your location or during your travel? Have you ever been to any hill station during your vacation? Do you know how they originated on the earth surface? Do you know what kinds of material are used in the construction of temples, buildings, roads, flyovers etc. In this lesson, we will learn about rocks and soils.

In lower classes, we have studied about four realms of the earth, namely lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Lithosphere is the upper most and significant layer of the earth. It is composed of solid rocks and unconsolidated materials. The literal meaning of lithosphere is “The sphere of rock”.

Petrology is a branch of geology which deals with the study of rocks. ‘Petrology’ is derived from the Greek word “Petrus” refers to rock and “Logos”refers to study

Find out

What is the base of the house made up of ?

Answer: Depending on when and where a house was built, the foundation may be made of stone, brick, preservative - treated lumber, concrete block or poured concrete. By for the most common material for foundations is concrete. Most houses have a raised perimeter foundation that supports floors and load bearing walls.