Discovering limestone’s secrets
In this activity, students view the interactive Limestone’s secrets revealed and then answer graded sets of questions based on the content of the video clips from the interactive.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe how New Zealand limestones from the Oligocene period have been laid down
explain the meaning of the term ‘diagenesis
recall several of the uses that New Zealand limestone deposits are put to
describe the reaction of limestone with dilute acid
have a clearer understanding of geological time scales.
Limestone secrets revealed
In this interactive, learn about limestone’s origins, formation, properties and uses with geologists Professor Cam Nelson and Dr Steve Hood.
Given limestone’s many uses and applications its ubiquity in the landscape, this ‘fizzy rock’ deserves closer inspection.
To use this interactive, move your mouse or finger over any of the labelled boxes and click to obtain more information.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student handout.
Related Content
Limestone origins – did you know that this common sedimentary rock origins can be traced back to either chemical or biochemical processes that occurred in the geological past. Explore the origins of limestone in New Zealand.
Discover more about Limestone landscapes in New Zealand – eye-catching features such as caves, sinkholes and spectacular skyline landscapes are often associated with limestone formations.
Find out more about Limestone uses – the calcium carbonate content of limestone rocks has been used from the earliest civilisations. Today, it is a valuable resource that services the needs of a multitude of industries.
