Petrology

Petrology (from the Greek petra, "rock" and logia, "study") is the branch of geology that studies the origin, composition, distribution and structure of rocks.

Overview

Petrology has three subdivisions: Igneous petrology, Sedimentary petrology, and Metamorphic petrology. Each subdivision is concerned with the properties of different types of rocks which result from specific processes of the rock cycle.

Igneous petrology

Igneous petrology focuses on the study of igneous rocks, such as Granite and Basalt. These rocks are formed when molten magma cools and solidifies.

Sedimentary petrology

Sedimentary petrology is concerned with the study of sedimentary rocks like Sandstone and Shale. These rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, such as sand and minerals, over time.

Metamorphic petrology

Metamorphic petrology deals with the study of metamorphic rocks, such as Marble and Quartzite. These rocks are formed under the influence of high temperature and pressure conditions.

See also

• List of rock types
• Petrography
• Petrogenesis
• Geology
• Mineralogy

External links

• Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford
• Airborne Sand and Dust

Petrology Resources
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