Keywords E Flashcards
open mining pit
surface mining the remove minerals from the ground leaving a big pit
strip mining
removing strips of soil and rock to expose ores
contour mining
form of mining on hills and leaves a series of terraces on the side
spoil banks
subsidence
the sinking in of the earth’s surface due to natural processes or human activities, can be gradual or immediate
biofuel
fuel produced by renewable biomass
geothermal energy
heat generated from the earth
thermal inertia
The amount of time it takes for one’s body to heat up to the same temperature as its surroundings
Oceanic Ridge
A continuous mountain chain that rises from the ocean floor.
Convergent Plates
Where two tectonic plates are moving toward each other, and often slide over each other.
Subduction
When the edge of one of Earth’s tectonic plates is pushed into the mantle below another plate.
Subduction Zone
A spot where two of the planet’s tectonic plates collide and one dives beneath the other.
Trench
A long, steep-sided valley on the ocean floor.
Transform Fault
A type of fault in which two tectonic plates slide past one another.
Liquified Petroleum Gases
A flammable fuel which contains a mixture of hydrocarbon gases.
Liquified Natural Gases
A natural gas that has been converted to a liquid form for transport.
Coal
A nonrenewable fossil fuel that is combusted and used to generate electricity.
weathering
the braking up of rocks due to roots and plant life
erosion
the earth being worn away by rain, wind or ice
fissure
a crack in a rock that is distinctly separated
lava
molten rock that has reached the surface
seismic wave
vibrations generated by earthquakes