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They look at the texture of the sample (coarse or fine graining, foliation), the degree of weathering, for the presence of fossils, for stratification, reaction to acid, and the color, for a quick identification. Closer examinations at the lab will reveal the specific mineral makeup of the rock, the source of the materials from which it was formed, and additional tests could in some circumstances even reveal its age.

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Name three ways geologists study a rock sample?

Geologists study rock samples by analyzing their mineral composition under a microscope, conducting chemical tests to determine their elemental composition, and measuring their physical properties such as density and hardness. They may also use techniques like X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy to further study the rock's structure and properties.


What do geologists look for?

Geologists look for clues in rock formations, minerals, and fossils to understand the Earth's history, such as past climates, plate movement, and volcanic activity. They also search for valuable resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals to assess economic potential and environmental impact. Understanding the Earth's processes through careful observation and analysis helps geologists make predictions about future events and manage geological risks.


What is the relationship between relative age and the principle of superposition?

Relative age is determined by the principle of superposition in geology, which states that in any undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the youngest layer is at the top and the oldest layer is at the bottom. By observing the order of rock layers, geologists can determine which layer is older or younger relative to others based on their position.


Where do geoligist look for petroleum?

Geologists look for petroleum in sedimentary basins, which are areas where layers of sediment have accumulated over time. They use various methods such as seismic surveys, well logging, and geochemical analysis to identify potential oil and gas reservoirs beneath the earth's surface.


How do geologists estimate the age of mountains?

First: geologists look at the general shape of the mountain: Sharper peaked mountains are generally younger than rounded ones because erosion has had less time to wear them down (ie the Rockies are younger than the Appalachians). Second: geologists look at what type of rock is exposed. Not only does this tell us something about when the formation began, it also gives us something to base our erosion estimation off of. Sandstone erodes faster than granite, so you could have a rounded mountain peak made of sandstone that was the same age as a sharp granite peak. Third: geologists will consult with paleontologists and archaeologists to try to determine the age of the mountain based off of remains that may be present on the mountain. (If, for instance, we find fossil sea-shells, we know that the mountain formation has to fall within certain ranges).

Related Questions

What do geologists look for when observing a rock sample?

its structure


What characteristics do geologists look for observing a rock sample?

They look at the texture of the sample (coarse or fine graining, foliation), the degree of weathering, for the presence of fossils, for stratification, reaction to acid, and the color, for a quick identification. Closer examinations at the lab will reveal the specific mineral makeup of the rock, the source of the materials from which it was formed, and additional tests could in some circumstances even reveal its age.


Name three ways geologists study a rock sample?

Geologists study rock samples by analyzing their mineral composition under a microscope, conducting chemical tests to determine their elemental composition, and measuring their physical properties such as density and hardness. They may also use techniques like X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy to further study the rock's structure and properties.


What are some of ways geologists study rocks in the field?

Geologists study rocks in the field by observing their texture, color, mineral composition, and structures like layering or fractures. They may also use tools such as hand lenses, rock hammers, and field notebooks to document their findings. Mapping the distribution and orientation of rocks in the field helps geologists understand the geological history and processes that formed them.


What is observing science?

to take a look at it


When should you use objective lens?

A sample should be examined with low power first when observing any sample for the first time under the microscope. Now if you want to focus on one particular region in the sample then you can step it up to high power lens. Objective lens are not that expensive and good way to look at some simple tissue structures.


What does a sample private loan agreement look like?

What does a sample private loan look like?


What does a Sample of a letter with enumeration look like?

sample of letter with enumeration


What does the interior of the planet mercury look like?

Based on observing Mercury and comparing Mercury with Earth, it is inferred that Mercury has a large core that is rich in iron. Planetary geologists estimate that the core of Mercury is about 42% of the planet's total volume. Data from research performed by these geologists strongly suggests that the planet has a molten core. Mercury's core has a higher iron content than the core of any other major planet in the solar system.


How are index fossils used by uniformitarian geologists?

Uniformitarian geologists will use this method to determine which layer of rock formed at which time period of earth's history, and the order of the formation.


What involve observing?

Observing involves you to see the changes or responds the living things or cells given to you, you'll have to look closely and classify what you saw.


What are ways geologists use to identify minerals?

they have to look at the mineral.see what color it is.see the shape.how does it feel to you........?