Chapter 12 (Midterm) Flashcards
Minerals and stuff
geology
scientific study of the Earth’s physical structure
metals
shiny, malleable, good conductors of electricity and heat, and ductile, meaning when reshaped they do not lose strength or break (gold, platinum, silver)
alloys
combinations of metals
minerals
A naturally formed and solid inorganic substance with a particular crystalline structure. (ex. diamond)
reserve
The part of a resource that is considered economically viable to extract, given current technology
non-metal geologic substances
limestone, clay,sand, gravel, etc.
geologic fuels
coal/uranium
surface mines
A mine close to the surface; examples are strip mines and open-pit mines.
subsurface mine
A mine that extracts geologic materials from underground, tunnels used
strip mining
A type of surface mining undertaken when the targeted ore is near the surface and the overburden is removed in strips, creating a long ditch. (type of surface)
open-pit mining
most common type: A form of surface mining in which a deep hole is created to remove the ore. (type of surface)
placer mining
precious metals/gemstones taken from loose deposits of sand or other materials (surface mining type)
overburden
The layer of earth above a targeted ore.
solution mining
water containing dissolved minerals is pumped to surface, concentrated/recovered - copper/uranium
impacts of subsurface mining
subsidence
mines generate waste how?
ore must be isolated/concentrated
mine tailings
acid mine drainage
CO2 from smelting
Radioactive materials
smelting
the addition of heat to a metal ore to extract the desired metal
mine tailings
Ore waste from mines.
acid mine drainage
acidic solution draining from a mine; often contains heavy
metals
tailings dams
tailings secured with a dam
how to conserve geologic resources?
use less, substitutes, recycle
Comprehensive, Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
A federal law that gives authority to the EPA to investigate and clean up uncontrolled and abandoned hazardous waste areas as well as emergency releases of waste. CERCLA also created a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries to fund restoration efforts.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Legislative act overseeing sustainable methods to treat, store, transport, and dispose of hazardous solid wastes generated from industrial, commercial, domestic, and other activities, including mining.
