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ENV IGCSE > Chap 1: Rocks and Minerals and their Exploitation > Flashcards

Chap 1: Rocks and Minerals and their Exploitation Flashcards

1
Q

Q: What is the Rock Cycle?

A

A: The Rock Cycle represents the changes between the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) and the processes causing these changes.

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2
Q

Q: How are igneous rocks formed?

A

A: Igneous rocks are formed when liquid magma cools to form solid rock.

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3
Q

Q: What is the difference between magma and lava?

A

A: Magma is molten rock below the Earth’s surface, while lava is magma that has reached the surface.

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4
Q

Q: What type of igneous rock forms from quick cooling of magma?

A

A: Extrusive igneous rock forms from quick cooling of magma, resulting in small crystals (e.g., basalt).

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5
Q

Q: What type of igneous rock forms from slow cooling of magma?

A

A: Intrusive igneous rock forms from slow cooling of magma, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite).

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6
Q

Q: How are sedimentary rocks formed?

A

A: Sedimentary rocks are formed by the weathering of existing rocks, accumulation of sediments, and pressurization into layers.

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7
Q

Q: What are some common examples of sedimentary rocks?

A

A: Limestone, sandstone, and shale are common examples of sedimentary rocks.

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8
Q

Q: How are metamorphic rocks formed?

A

A: Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks subjected to heat and/or pressure, causing changes without melting the rock.

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9
Q

Q: Name two examples of metamorphic rocks.

A

A: Marble and slate are examples of metamorphic rocks.

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10
Q

Q: What is prospecting?

A

A: Prospecting is the process of searching for minerals by examining the surface of rocks.

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11
Q

Q: What is an ore?

A

A: An ore is a rock containing enough valuable minerals to make it worth mining.

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11
Q

Q: What is remote sensing?

A

A: Remote sensing involves gathering information about the Earth’s surface from above, such as through aerial photography or satellites.

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12
Q

Q: How does satellite sensing help in mineral exploration?

A

A: Satellites send signals to the Earth’s surface and collect reflected signals, indicating the presence of minerals. The unique radiation pattern is analyzed by computers.

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13
Q

Q: What is geochemical analysis?

A

A: Geochemical analysis involves studying the chemical properties of rock samples taken from stream sediments, soil, or rocks.

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14
Q

Q: How does geophysics help in identifying mineral ores?

A

A: Geophysics uses seismic waves sent through the Earth’s surface to identify mineral ores based on the shock wave patterns reflected by different minerals.

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15
Q

Q: What are the two main methods of mineral extraction?

A

A: The two main methods are surface mining and sub-surface mining.

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16
Q

Q: What is open-pit mining used for?

A

A: Open-pit mining is used when a valuable deposit is located near the surface. It involves removing the topsoil and breaking up the rock with explosives.

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17
Q

Q: Describe strip mining.

A

A: Strip mining involves removing a thin strip of overburden to access a seam of mineral, commonly used for coal and lignite.

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18
Q

Q: What is the process of deep and shaft mining?

A

A: Deep and shaft mining involves sinking a vertical shaft into the rock layer, creating horizontal tunnels to extract minerals, and bringing the minerals to the surface.

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19
Q

Q: What are some environmental impacts of rock and mineral extraction?

A

A: Environmental impacts include loss of habitat, pollution (air, water, noise), and visual damage to the landscape.

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20
Q

Q: How does pollution from mining affect aquatic life?

A

A: Water pollution from mining can lead to the death of aquatic organisms through acidic water and toxic metal ions. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification also impact the food chain.

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21
Q

Q: What are some economic impacts of rock and mineral extraction?

A

A: Economic impacts include job creation, an increase in the country’s economy, and improvements in infrastructure.

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22
Q

Q: How can mining impact local communities?

A

A: Mining can improve the standard of living through economic gains but also negatively affect health due to pollution and unsafe conditions.

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23
Q

Q: What is the purpose of land restoration after mining?

A

A: Land restoration aims to improve soil fertility, reintroduce vegetation, and restore ecosystems.

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24
Q

Q: What is bioremediation?

A

A: Bioremediation is the process of removing pollutants from waste using living organisms, either in situ (on-site) or ex situ (off-site).

25
Q

Q: How can lakes and natural reserves be created after mining?

A

A: Lakes and natural reserves can be created by filling post-extraction holes with water or restoring land to create green spaces.

26
Q

Q: What are some strategies for the sustainable use of rocks and minerals?

A

A: Strategies include increasing extraction efficiency, recycling, and improving the performance of mining machinery.

27
Q

Q: Why is recycling important in mineral resource management?

A

A: Recycling uses less energy, produces less waste, and reduces pollution compared to processing new ores.

28
Q

Q: What geological factor influences the decision to mine a deposit?

A

A: The grade of ore influences the decision; high-grade ores yield more valuable elements and are worth mining, while low-grade ores may be left as reserves if not profitable.

29
Q

Q: Why is accessibility important in mineral extraction?

A

A: Accessibility affects transportation costs of ore from the mine to processing plants and may require building infrastructure, which impacts the overall cost and feasibility of mining.

30
Q

Q: What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

A

A: An EIA is a process that assesses the potential environmental impacts of a mining project and requires a plan for minimizing habitat loss, restoring land, and managing waste.

31
Q

Q: How does supply and demand affect mining profitability?

A

A: Higher demand for minerals can make previously unprofitable mines viable, while a decrease in demand can lead to losses due to high extraction and transport costs.

32
Q

Q: What measures can be taken for the safe disposal of mining waste?

A

A: Measures include storing waste to prevent collapse, preventing water pollution, and monitoring waste for potential movement or further contamination.

33
Q

Q: How does tree planting contribute to land restoration?

A

A: Tree planting helps improve soil fertility and supports ecosystem recovery, creating habitats for wildlife and contributing to biodiversity.

34
Q

Q: What is sanitary landfilling?

A

A: Sanitary landfilling involves filling a hole with waste, alternating layers of waste and sand to minimize pollution and manage waste effectively.

35
Q

Q: What is bioremediation in the context of mining waste management?

A

A: Bioremediation uses microorganisms or plants to absorb and metabolize pollutants in contaminated waste, reducing toxicity and facilitating cleanup.

36
Q

Q: What is a sustainable resource?

A

A: A sustainable resource is one that can be continuously replenished, such as agricultural products or forestry.

37
Q

Q: What is sustainable development?

A

A: Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

38
Q

Q: How can the efficiency of rock and mineral extraction be increased?

A

A: Efficiency can be increased by processing mine wastes for secondary recovery of minerals, improving machine performance, and using data analysis for better geological predictions.

39
Q

Q: Why is recycling important for minerals?

A

A: Recycling minerals uses less energy, produces less waste, and reduces pollution compared to processing new ores.

40
Q

Q: How does legislation support recycling and reuse of minerals?

A

A: Legislation requires manufacturers to be responsible for recycling and reusing materials, promoting sustainable practices.

41
Q

Q: What are extrusive igneous rocks?

A

A: Extrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma cools quickly on the Earth’s surface, resulting in rocks with small crystals, such as basalt.

42
Q

Q: What are intrusive igneous rocks?

A

A: Intrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, leading to rocks with large crystals, such as granite.

43
Q

Q: What is the role of sedimentation in forming sedimentary rocks?

A

A: Sedimentation involves the accumulation of sediments, which are particles of rocks, that are pressed and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.

44
Q

Q: How do fossils become part of sedimentary rocks?

A

A: Fossils become part of sedimentary rocks when they are buried and preserved within sediment layers that eventually become compacted and cemented.

45
Q

Q: What processes can change sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?

A

A: Heat and pressure can change sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks by altering their mineral structure and texture without melting them.

46
Q

Q: What is an ore’s economic significance?

A

A: An ore’s economic significance lies in its content of valuable minerals that make it profitable to mine and process.

47
Q

Q: How does remote sensing differ from traditional prospecting?

A

A: Remote sensing involves gathering information from aerial or satellite imagery, while traditional prospecting involves physically examining the rock surface.

48
Q

Q: What is the purpose of explosives in open-pit mining?

A

A: Explosives are used to break up and loosen rocks in open-pit mining to facilitate their removal and processing.

49
Q

Q: What is the main difference between open-pit mining and strip mining?

A

A: Open-pit mining is used for deposits near the surface and involves creating a large pit, while strip mining involves removing overburden in thin strips to access a horizontal seam.

50
Q

Q: How does deep and shaft mining access mineral deposits?

A

A: Deep and shaft mining involves sinking a vertical shaft and creating horizontal tunnels to follow and extract mineral deposits.

51
Q

Q: What is bioaccumulation?

A

A: Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms absorb and retain toxic substances from their environment, leading to higher concentrations within their bodies.

52
Q

Q: What is biomagnification?

A

A: Biomagnification occurs when the concentration of toxic substances increases as they move up the food chain, affecting top predators and consumers.

53
Q

Q: How can mining affect local wildlife?

A

A: Mining can lead to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance, impacting wildlife populations and their ecosystems.

54
Q

Q: What are some social benefits of mineral extraction?

A

A: Social benefits include improved standard of living, better healthcare and education, and enhanced infrastructure development.

55
Q

Q: What are the risks associated with mining waste?

A

A: Risks include potential water pollution, land degradation, and long-term environmental impacts that can affect surrounding ecosystems and communities.

56
Q

Q: What is the concept of sustainable development in the context of mining?

A

A: Sustainable development in mining aims to meet current needs while ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs without depleting resources or harming the environment.

57
Q

Q: How can recycling of minerals reduce environmental impact?

A

A: Recycling reduces the need for new mining, which decreases energy use, waste production, and environmental disruption associated with extracting new ores.

58
Q

Q: How does satellite signal analysis aid in finding minerals?

A

A: Satellites send signals to the Earth’s surface and collect the reflected signals. Analyzing these unique radiation patterns helps detect the presence of minerals.

59
Q

Q: How does mining affect local communities?

A

A: Mining can improve local infrastructure and services but may also pose health risks and safety concerns for workers and nearby residents.

ENV IGCSE (9 decks)

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