Session 4 discusses the formation of three main rock types, i.e.

Igneous, Sedimentary
and Metamorphic. Learners should pay attention to the ‘Rock Cycle’, which explains
how each of the above types are formed based on geological processes. These
processes occur over several million years; evidence of these changes being
landslides, weathering, erosion etc. It is important to note that different rock types are
formed under prevailing conditions.

As a Civil Engineering, we are called upon to assess possible impacts on structures

we build, with a life-span of (say) 100 to 200 years. Rocks are formed with mineral
grains. Their strength and other engineering properties are derived from mineralogy
and environmental conditions. These mineral types disintegrate with time; this process
may be rapid or slow depending on mineral type. Stronger minerals possess strong
bonds between their atoms and molecules. You could compare Diamond and Coal, two
mineral types having their basic building block as Carbon.

Learners are required to pay particular attention to rocks and rock forming minerals in
Sri Lanka. Such information is available on the internet. Learners are also encouraged
to refer the book by Cooray, P. G. (1984) An Introduction to the Geology of Sri Lanka,
National Museums of Sri Lanka Publication, 2nd Revised Edition. This is available to OUSL
main library.

Learners are encouraged to perform an internet search to identify mineral types and their
properties. You may find rocks that are formed from a single mineral or an aggregate of several
mineral types.