geological processes which created exploitable mineral deposits

Question 1

list the 3 processes which produce exploitable mineral deposits

Answer 1

1) igneous processes
2) metamorphic processes
3) sedimentary processes

Question 2

define igneous processes

Answer 2

the process by which rocks are created by the cooling and hardening of magma or molten lava

Question 3

define metamorphic process

Answer 3

the altering state of a rock due to extremely high temps and high pressures

Question 4

define sedimentary processes

Answer 4

the settling and build-up of layers of deposited sediments which become compressed

Question 5

what are the types of metamorphic processes

Answer 5

1) hydrothermal deposition=
- an undergorund water aquifer above magma- the water becomes superheated which dissolves minerals surrounding the aquifer
- the water expands from heat creating fissures where the water rises carrying the minerals away from the igneous batholith
- the water cools and dissolved minerals crystallize and come out of the solution in order of solubility
- after the minerals are deposited a bathoith forms

Question 6

list the types of sedimentary processes

Answer 6

1) protozoic marine sediments
2) alluvial deposits
3) evaporites
4) secondary enrichments
5) biological sediments

Question 7

outline protozoic marine sediments

Answer 7

formed when dissolved iron compounds became oxidised by the oxygen released by photosynthesis producing insoluble iron oxide deposits

Question 8

outline alluvial deposits

Answer 8

a process by which material were carried and separated by flowing water as the ability of water to carry the deposits decreases as velocity decreases so the materials are no longer suspended and drop

Question 9

outline evaporites

Answer 9

water containing soluble minerals evaporates leaving crystallised minerals such as halite

Question 10

outline biological sediments

Answer 10

biological processes where living organisms form mineral deposits