bedrock geology

 

The underlying bedrock of Mill Creek is called

S C H I S T.

The particular type of schist in the Mill Creek Neighborhood and surrounding area is a mica schist called Wissahickon schist. Schist is a highly metamorphosed rock which is characterized by foliation or schistosity. The foliation in the rock is perpendicular to the force that that pushed against the rock. Thin bands of quartzite are a result of pressure that forced the quartz to the surface, increasing the temperature and partially melting the quartzite.The outcroppings of Wissahickon schist contain quartzite, garnet and mica. The mica gives the rock its shiny, sparkly appearance.

 

Photomicrograph of a thin section of schist.

 

 

 The climate of the northeast has affected the weathering of the schist and its form. The form of the schist has shaped the topography, soil and drainage patterns of the Mill Creek neighborhood. Schist has been used as a material to build houses and stone walls. Schist is an important material to use in your design. As it forms the structure of the land and buildings, geology may help you form the structure of your design -- as an opening paragraph or a continuing theme throughout the story of Mill Creek.

 

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