Geological Study of Rocks in Merri Creek Catchment Area

Merri Catchment Area 1
MERRI CATCHMENT AREA
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Merri Catchment Area 2
Merri Catchment Area
Discussion of the findings
The most common type of rocks found in the research area in Merri Creek catchment
area marine limestone and sad-stone. These stones were formed from sediments millions of
years ago. Erosion has occurred over these sediments in the modern-day Merri Creek.
However, the rocks still defy their existence and as a result have led to this research
(Arroucau, Rawlinson and Sambridge, 2010).
Figure 1 The Site directions

Merri Catchment Area 3
Figure 2 Study area
1. Strength parameters relating to these rock types.
Marine limestones are formed n calm and shallow waters of marine. Major components
leading to their formation are calcium carbonate containing shells from animals that die they
accumulate and form limestones . On the other hand, sandstones are formed from grains
cemented by fragments of mono-mineralised rock crystals. The grain sizes are typically in the
range of 0.0625 to 2 mm. the binding material is usually clay, silica or calcite . The formation
of sandstones clearly amplifiers the strength possessed by these rocks possess. They are very
strong and is evident from the processes involved in their formation which include a two-step
process as follows (Afşar, Westphal and Philipp, 2014). The first step is sedimentation where
layers of sand accumulate by settling from suspension either in water or air. The second step
is compaction of the settled sand by pressure of deposits overlying the sediments;
precipitation of minerals later on cements the grains into sand stones (Afşar, Westphal and
Philipp, 2014). Such a process gives sandstones strength enough to be mined as a
construction material. The rocks are pretty tough as they have restricted the flow of the river
due to the fact that they form the river bed and banks, withstanding the force or abrasion by
the river waters. It no wonders that since the ancient times, these rocks have been used for