Unit 4 Flashcards
What properties of silica sand make it useful in hydraulic fracturing?
(Lesson 1)
It can withstand great pressure.
Two unknown mineral samples, A and B, are rubbed against each other. Mineral A scratches mineral B. What can you infer about the minerals?
(Lesson 1)
Mineral A is harder than mineral B.
How have phosphate minerals most affected human activity?
Lesson 1
Using phosphate minerals in fertilizer allowed humans to grow more crops.
Which of the following statements about mining booms is true?
Unemployment rates tend to increase in the short term.
The economy tends to grow in the long term.
Property values tend to increase in the short term.
The population tends to grow in the long term.
(Lesson 1)
Property values tend to increase in the short term.
Light bounces off of a mineral sample. What can you say about the mineral?
(Lesson 1)
The mineral is reflective.
Which statement is true about the potential environmental impact on local water by both surface and underground mining?
Both types of mining lead to overburden clogging small local waterways.
Both types of mining cause high risk of sediment runoff.
Both types of mining can lead to a lowered water table.
Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water.
(Lesson 3)
Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water.
When compared to underground mining, why does surface mining have a larger impact on land ecosystems?
(Lesson 3)
In surface mining, large areas of land are completely cleared of vegetation and topsoil.
What environmental impacts are caused by both surface mining and underground mining? Select the two correct answers.
sinkhole formation after mining is complete
destruction of ecosystems
release of underground gases
local water contamination
destruction from overburden
(Lesson 3)
destruction of ecosystems
local water contamination
A mining company’s land reclamation plan is not accepted because the plan fails to include a system for monitoring local water quality. What issue related to land reclamation is this an example of?
(Lesson 4)
standards and measurement issue
What are examples of repurposing land as part of land reclamation? Select the two correct answers.
reintroducing wildlife to the ecosystem
building a golf course and golf club
restoring a local waterway
planting trees to replace what was removed
creating a community garden
(Lesson 4)
building a golf course and golf club
creating a community garden
Which statement best describes land reclamation?
Lesson 4
the recovery of land that has been degraded by mining operations
Which risks are involved in both underground mining and surface mining? Select the two correct answers.
respiratory disease
high water pressure
ground instability
UV exposure
methane gas buildup
(Lesson 5)
respiratory disease
ground instability
How are the health impacts of surface mining different from those of underground mining?
(Lesson 5)
lower risk of miner injuries in surface mining
Which health and safety risk is associated with tailings dams?
(Lesson 5)
If the dam fails, it can cause a flood of toxic materials.
According to the USGS, how much total copper was contained in world reserves as of 2018?
(Lesson 6)
790 millions tons
