220 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Geology

Explain why the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD so well preserved the city of Pompeii?

Explain why the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD so well preserved the city of Pompeii?

The volcanic ashes from Vesuvius were made up of tiny fragments of volcanic rocks and volcanic glass, initially very light but quickly accumulating to form...

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Explain why some beaches are formed of crushed shells.

Explain why some beaches are formed of crushed shells.

Beaches made of crushed shells primarily come from marine organisms. Mollusks, crustaceans, and other shelled animals produce solid calcareous shells throughout their lives from minerals...

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Explain why some rock formations resemble human faces?

Explain why some rock formations resemble human faces?

Rock formations sometimes take on human-like appearances due to a slow and natural process: erosion. Over the centuries, water, wind, and temperature changes gradually wear...

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Explain why some volcanoes have a perfect conical shape ?

Explain why some volcanoes have a perfect conical shape ?

The type of magma clearly affects the final shape of the volcano. For example, very viscous magma, rich in silica, flows slowly and struggles to...

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Explain why crystals in certain rocks sparkle in the sunlight.

Explain why crystals in certain rocks sparkle in the sunlight.

In rocks, atoms are naturally organized into precise geometric shapes called crystalline structures. It is these regular patterns that allow crystals to play with sunlight. When a...

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Explain why are arc-shaped geological formations so impressive?

Explain why are arc-shaped geological formations so impressive?

These amazing arch shapes often come from a subtle mix of erosion and rock type. Generally, it all starts with cliffs or rock layers already...

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Explain why fossils are mainly found in sediment layers.

Explain why fossils are mainly found in sediment layers.

Sedimentation is simply the gradual deposition of particles like sand, mud, or shells at the bottom of a lake, sea, or river. Over time, these...

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Explain why do crystals in certain rocks glow in the dark?

Explain why do crystals in certain rocks glow in the dark?

Some minerals have the curious ability to absorb invisible light (such as ultraviolet rays) and reemit it in the form of visible light. This phenomenon...

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Explain why granite is such a hard rock?

Explain why granite is such a hard rock?

Granite is primarily composed of three minerals: quartz, feldspar, and mica. The quartz, which is very hard, gives granite a high resistance to wear and...

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Explain why has the drift of the continents shaped the global geography?

Explain why has the drift of the continents shaped the global geography?

The Earth's surface is divided into large puzzle pieces called tectonic plates. These plates move slowly but constantly (only a few centimeters per year) due...

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