Lithology 7. The naming of a lithology is based on the rock type. The three major rock types are sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic. Sedimentary rocks are further classified by whether they are siliciclastic or carbonate. Siliciclastic sedimentary rocks are then subcategorized based on their grain size distribution and the relative proportions of quartz, feldspar, and lithic (rock) fragments. Carbonate rocks are classified with the Dunham or Folk classification schemes according to the constituents of the carbonate rock. The name of an igneous rock requires information on crystal size and mineralogy. This classification can often be performed with a QAPF diagram. Metamorphic rock
Habitability of natural satellites Habitability of natural satellites The habitability of natural satellites is a measure of the potential of natural satellites to have environments hospitable to life. Habitable environments do not necessarily harbor life. Planetary habitability is an emerging study which is considered important to astrobiology for several reasons, foremost being that natural satellites are predicted to greatly outnumber planets and that it is hypothesized that habitability factors are likely to be similar to those of planets. There are, however, key environmental differences which have a bearing on moons as potential sites for extraterrestrial life. The strongest candidates for natural satellite habitability are