Rocks and Minerals and their exploitation Flashcards
How is Igneous rock formed?
Formed when liquid magma cools to form rock.
How is Sedimentary rock formed?
Made when existing rock is formed by weathering which breaks off and travels(river) until it gathers together and forms sediments.
How is Metamorphic rock formed?
Formed when existing rock undergoes extreme heat and/or pressure causing physical and/or chemical changes.
Igneous rock examples:
Granite and Basalt.
Sedimentary rock examples:
Shale, Sandstone, and Limestone.
Metamorphic rock examples:
Slate and Marble.
Prospecting:
A process of searching for minerals by examining the surface of rocks.
Geophysics:
A method to identify mineral ores by using their physical properties.
The geophysics process:
*a series of vibrations(seismic waves) are sent through the surface.
*several sensors are placed a distance away.
*the vibrations create shock waves that go into the rock layer.
*they reflect back to the sensors.
*the patterns are recorded.
What are the methods of extraction?
Surface and sub-surface mining.
Factors that affect the decision to extract:
*the cost.
*the availability.
*the geology.
*the supply and demand.
*the environmental impact.
What are the different types of pollution?
*water pollution.
*air pollution.
*visual pollution.
*noise pollution.
*land pollution.
Bioaccumulation:
When organisms absorb ions that build up in their body faster than the rate of excretion.
Biomagnification:
When concentrations increase higher up the food chain and cause death in the top consumers.
Ecological impacts of mining:
*loss of habitat/biodiversity.
*pollution.
*species endagerment/extinction.
*bioaccumulation.
*biomagnification.
Economic impacts of mining:
*provides employment/income.
*Earn foreign exchange.
*transport improvement.
*service improvement.
*better healthcare/medicine availability.
*infrastructure improvement.
How to safely dispose of mining waste:
*must be stored to prevent collapse.
*must be monitored.
*must prevent water from being contaminated.
How to restore land:
*tree planting.
*soil improvement.
*ex situ treatment.
*in situ treatment.
*making lakes/dams.
*making natural reserves.
*contaminated land used for landfills.
What is a sustainable resource?
A resource that can be continuously replenished.
What is sustainable development?
A development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generations.
How surface mining is done:
*vegetation and topsoil removed.
*rocks broken up with explosives.
*loose rock and undesired material are removed.
*strip mining used to mine a seam of mineral.
Sub-surface process:
*vertical shaft is sunk down to the rock layer.
*a horizontal tunnel made following the mineral layer.
*minerals are extracted and brought up to the surface.
The types of mining impacts:
Economic, social, and environmental impacts.
Electromagnetic induction:
A process used for generating electricity using movement of a metal coil and a magnet.
