Answer :
Final answer:
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Over time, it can undergo weathering, compaction into metamorphic rock, and fossilization. These changes contribute to geological features and ecological dynamics.
Explanation:
What Type of Rock is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It forms mainly from the accumulation of marine organism shells, coral fragments, and other biological materials. This rock can also originate from chemical precipitation when water evaporates in marine environments, leaving behind calcium carbonate deposits.
How Limestone Changes Over Time
Over a long period of time, limestone undergoes several changes:
- Weathering: Exposure to rainfall, especially acidic rain, can lead to the dissolution of limestone, forming karst landscapes characterized by sinkholes and underground drainage systems.
- Compaction: Over millions of years, layers of sediment may build upon limestone, increasing pressure that can result in the rock transitioning into metamorphic rock, such as marble.
- Fossilization: Organisms embedded within the limestone can become mineralized, creating fossils that hold important paleontological records.
As such, limestone is not only important geologically but also for its role in environmental and biological processes.
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