SCIENCE OF

ENVIRONMENT (AIR
QUALITY PARAMETERS)
Chapter 2 (Part 3)
Elemental Composition of the Earth
Classification of Rocks on the
Earth’s Crust
• Igneous rocks: These are the oldest form
of the rocks, which are formed by
solidification of Magma. Example: Basalt
and Diorite.
Classification of Rocks on the
Earth’s Crust
• Sedimentary rocks: These consist of distinct
sedimentary layers formed due to the weathering by
wind and water of mineral matters on the earths
crust followed by consolidation and hardening.
Example: Limestone, sand stone and shale.
Classification of Rocks on the
Earth’s Crust
• Metamorphic rocks: These rock types are formed due
to metamorphosis of igneous and sedimentary rocks
under the influence of high pressure, intense heat
and time. Example: Quartzite, slate, marble and
schist
Minerals on the Earth’s Crust
• Bulk of the earth crust is made up of around 10
minerals. The important group of minerals are:
Felspars, Pyroxenes, Quartz, Micas, Silicates,
Calcite, Magnetite, Hematite , Dolomite,
Kaoline, etc.
• Soils are formed because of the interaction of
the rocks with wind, rain and heat.
• As a result of this interaction, the rocks on
the earths crust break into small fragments.
This process is known as weathering, which
results in the generation of sand, silt, gravel
and clays.
• The weathering process can be physical,
chemical and biological.
The Constituents of the Soil
• Mineral matter, which consists of gravel, sand,
silt and clay. Each of these is characterized by
the respective particle sizes. The mineral matter
are mainly made up of quartz and silicate
minerals.
• Organic matter: Plant and animal decayed products
contribute to the organic matter in soil, which
is called humus. The process of formation of
humus from plant and animal parts and wastes by
microorganisms called humification.
• Soil moisture and air: Since the mineral matter
of the soil is porous in nature, the voids are
filled by air and water. The nutrients in the
soil are dissolved by water and is absorbed by
the plants through the roots
Function of Soil
• It provides a platform for the growth of
plants.
• It houses several types of bacteria and
other micro organisms which help in
decomposition of animal and plant matter
and waste, regeneration and fixing of
nutrients in the soil and mineralisation
of organic matter.
• It is a reservoir of water and supplies
water to the plants through the roots.
• It serves as storage of macro and
micronutrients necessary for the growth of
plants and animals.