Chapter 12 (Midterm)

Question 1

geology

Answer 1

scientific study of the Earth’s physical structure

Question 2

metals

Answer 2

shiny, malleable, good conductors of electricity and heat, and ductile, meaning when reshaped they do not lose strength or break (gold, platinum, silver)

Question 3

alloys

Answer 3

combinations of metals

Question 4

minerals

Answer 4

A naturally formed and solid inorganic substance with a particular crystalline structure. (ex. diamond)

Question 5

reserve

Answer 5

The part of a resource that is considered economically viable to extract, given current technology

Question 6

non-metal geologic substances

Answer 6

limestone, clay,sand, gravel, etc.

Question 7

geologic fuels

Answer 7

coal/uranium

Question 8

surface mines

Answer 8

A mine close to the surface; examples are strip mines and open-pit mines.

Question 9

subsurface mine

Answer 9

A mine that extracts geologic materials from underground, tunnels used

Question 10

strip mining

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

open-pit mining

Answer 11

most common type: A form of surface mining in which a deep hole is created to remove the ore. (type of surface)

Question 12

placer mining

Answer 12

precious metals/gemstones taken from loose deposits of sand or other materials (surface mining type)

Question 13

overburden

Answer 13

The layer of earth above a targeted ore.

Question 14

solution mining

Answer 14

water containing dissolved minerals is pumped to surface, concentrated/recovered - copper/uranium

Question 15

impacts of subsurface mining

Answer 15

subsidence

Question 16

mines generate waste how?

Answer 16

ore must be isolated/concentrated
mine tailings
acid mine drainage
CO2 from smelting
Radioactive materials

Question 17

smelting

Answer 17

the addition of heat to a metal ore to extract the desired metal

Question 18

mine tailings

Answer 18

Ore waste from mines.

Question 19

acid mine drainage

Answer 19

acidic solution draining from a mine; often contains heavy
metals

Question 20

tailings dams

Answer 20

tailings secured with a dam

Question 21

how to conserve geologic resources?

Answer 21

use less, substitutes, recycle

Question 22

Comprehensive, Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Answer 23

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.