Chap 1: Rocks and Minerals and their Exploitation Flashcards
Q: What is the Rock Cycle?
A: The Rock Cycle represents the changes between the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) and the processes causing these changes.
Q: How are igneous rocks formed?
A: Igneous rocks are formed when liquid magma cools to form solid rock.
Q: What is the difference between magma and lava?
A: Magma is molten rock below the Earth’s surface, while lava is magma that has reached the surface.
Q: What type of igneous rock forms from quick cooling of magma?
A: Extrusive igneous rock forms from quick cooling of magma, resulting in small crystals (e.g., basalt).
Q: What type of igneous rock forms from slow cooling of magma?
A: Intrusive igneous rock forms from slow cooling of magma, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite).
Q: How are sedimentary rocks formed?
A: Sedimentary rocks are formed by the weathering of existing rocks, accumulation of sediments, and pressurization into layers.
Q: What are some common examples of sedimentary rocks?
A: Limestone, sandstone, and shale are common examples of sedimentary rocks.
Q: How are metamorphic rocks formed?
A: Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks subjected to heat and/or pressure, causing changes without melting the rock.
Q: Name two examples of metamorphic rocks.
A: Marble and slate are examples of metamorphic rocks.
Q: What is prospecting?
A: Prospecting is the process of searching for minerals by examining the surface of rocks.
Q: What is an ore?
A: An ore is a rock containing enough valuable minerals to make it worth mining.
Q: What is remote sensing?
A: Remote sensing involves gathering information about the Earth’s surface from above, such as through aerial photography or satellites.
Q: How does satellite sensing help in mineral exploration?
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.
Q: What is geochemical analysis?
A: Geochemical analysis involves studying the chemical properties of rock samples taken from stream sediments, soil, or rocks.
Q: How does geophysics help in identifying mineral ores?
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.
Q: What are the two main methods of mineral extraction?
A: The two main methods are surface mining and sub-surface mining.
Q: What is open-pit mining used for?
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.
Q: Describe strip mining.
A: Strip mining involves removing a thin strip of overburden to access a seam of mineral, commonly used for coal and lignite.
Q: What is the process of deep and shaft mining?
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.
Q: What are some environmental impacts of rock and mineral extraction?
A: Environmental impacts include loss of habitat, pollution (air, water, noise), and visual damage to the landscape.
Q: How does pollution from mining affect aquatic life?
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.
Q: What are some economic impacts of rock and mineral extraction?
A: Economic impacts include job creation, an increase in the country’s economy, and improvements in infrastructure.
Q: How can mining impact local communities?
A: Mining can improve the standard of living through economic gains but also negatively affect health due to pollution and unsafe conditions.
Q: What is the purpose of land restoration after mining?
A: Land restoration aims to improve soil fertility, reintroduce vegetation, and restore ecosystems.
Q: What is bioremediation?
A: Bioremediation is the process of removing pollutants from waste using living organisms, either in situ (on-site) or ex situ (off-site).
Q: How can lakes and natural reserves be created after mining?
A: Lakes and natural reserves can be created by filling post-extraction holes with water or restoring land to create green spaces.
Q: What are some strategies for the sustainable use of rocks and minerals?
A: Strategies include increasing extraction efficiency, recycling, and improving the performance of mining machinery.
Q: Why is recycling important in mineral resource management?
A: Recycling uses less energy, produces less waste, and reduces pollution compared to processing new ores.
Q: What geological factor influences the decision to mine a deposit?
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.
Q: Why is accessibility important in mineral extraction?
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.
Q: What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
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.
Q: How does supply and demand affect mining profitability?
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.
Q: What measures can be taken for the safe disposal of mining waste?
A: Measures include storing waste to prevent collapse, preventing water pollution, and monitoring waste for potential movement or further contamination.
Q: How does tree planting contribute to land restoration?
A: Tree planting helps improve soil fertility and supports ecosystem recovery, creating habitats for wildlife and contributing to biodiversity.
Q: What is sanitary landfilling?
A: Sanitary landfilling involves filling a hole with waste, alternating layers of waste and sand to minimize pollution and manage waste effectively.
Q: What is bioremediation in the context of mining waste management?
A: Bioremediation uses microorganisms or plants to absorb and metabolize pollutants in contaminated waste, reducing toxicity and facilitating cleanup.
Q: What is a sustainable resource?
A: A sustainable resource is one that can be continuously replenished, such as agricultural products or forestry.
Q: What is sustainable development?
A: Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Q: How can the efficiency of rock and mineral extraction be increased?
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.
Q: Why is recycling important for minerals?
A: Recycling minerals uses less energy, produces less waste, and reduces pollution compared to processing new ores.
Q: How does legislation support recycling and reuse of minerals?
A: Legislation requires manufacturers to be responsible for recycling and reusing materials, promoting sustainable practices.
Q: What are extrusive igneous rocks?
A: Extrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma cools quickly on the Earth’s surface, resulting in rocks with small crystals, such as basalt.
Q: What are intrusive igneous rocks?
A: Intrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, leading to rocks with large crystals, such as granite.
Q: What is the role of sedimentation in forming sedimentary rocks?
A: Sedimentation involves the accumulation of sediments, which are particles of rocks, that are pressed and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.
Q: How do fossils become part of sedimentary rocks?
A: Fossils become part of sedimentary rocks when they are buried and preserved within sediment layers that eventually become compacted and cemented.
Q: What processes can change sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?
A: Heat and pressure can change sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks by altering their mineral structure and texture without melting them.
Q: What is an ore’s economic significance?
A: An ore’s economic significance lies in its content of valuable minerals that make it profitable to mine and process.
Q: How does remote sensing differ from traditional prospecting?
A: Remote sensing involves gathering information from aerial or satellite imagery, while traditional prospecting involves physically examining the rock surface.
Q: What is the purpose of explosives in open-pit mining?
A: Explosives are used to break up and loosen rocks in open-pit mining to facilitate their removal and processing.
Q: What is the main difference between open-pit mining and strip mining?
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.
Q: How does deep and shaft mining access mineral deposits?
A: Deep and shaft mining involves sinking a vertical shaft and creating horizontal tunnels to follow and extract mineral deposits.
Q: What is bioaccumulation?
A: Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms absorb and retain toxic substances from their environment, leading to higher concentrations within their bodies.
Q: What is biomagnification?
A: Biomagnification occurs when the concentration of toxic substances increases as they move up the food chain, affecting top predators and consumers.
Q: How can mining affect local wildlife?
A: Mining can lead to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance, impacting wildlife populations and their ecosystems.
Q: What are some social benefits of mineral extraction?
A: Social benefits include improved standard of living, better healthcare and education, and enhanced infrastructure development.
Q: What are the risks associated with mining waste?
A: Risks include potential water pollution, land degradation, and long-term environmental impacts that can affect surrounding ecosystems and communities.
Q: What is the concept of sustainable development in the context of mining?
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.
Q: How can recycling of minerals reduce environmental impact?
A: Recycling reduces the need for new mining, which decreases energy use, waste production, and environmental disruption associated with extracting new ores.
Q: How does satellite signal analysis aid in finding minerals?
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.
Q: How does mining affect local communities?
A: Mining can improve local infrastructure and services but may also pose health risks and safety concerns for workers and nearby residents.
