Log inSign up for FREE
Library

APES Ch. 14 Reading Guide - Non-Renewable Mineral Resources

Last updated over 3 years ago
23 questions

14-1 What Are the Earth’s Major Geological Processes and What Are Mineral Resources?

1

Where in the Earth’s layers do we find the mineral resources on which we depend? What is this layer made up of?

1

What is a mineral resource?

1

Define and provide examples of each of the following:
  • Sedimentary rock
  • Igneous rock
  • Metamorphic rock

1

Differentiate between a high-grade and low-grade ore.

1

Give examples of metallic and nonmetallic minerals and what they are used for.

14-2 How Long Might Supplies of Nonrenewable Mineral Resources Last?

1

What does it mean when a mineral becomes economically depleted? (include a definition of depletion time in your answer)

1

How can we extend depletion times?

1

Which countries supply most of the nonrenewable mineral resources used by modern societies?

1
_______ _______ determine the quantity and location of a nonrenewable mineral resource in the earth’s crust, but _______ determines what part of the known supply is extracted and used.
1

According to standard economic theory, what happens when a resource becomes scarce in a competitive market system?

1

Why might the price effect noted in the previous question no longer apply in more-developed countries?

14-3 What Are the Environmental Effects of Using Nonrenewable Mineral Resources?

1

Briefly describe each of the following surface mining techniques:
  • Open-pit mining
  • Area strip mining
  • Contour strip mining
  • Mountaintop removal

1

Briefly describe subsurface mining.

1

Which type of mining (surface or subsurface) disturbs more land?

1

The mining industry produces more toxic emissions than any other U.S. industry. What % of all the country’s emissions come from mining?

1

What highly toxic substance is commonly used to extract gold from ore?

1

What are the environmental hazards associated with tailings and smelting?

14-4 How Can We Use Mineral Resources More Sustainably?

1

What are some materials that are currently being used as substitutes for key minerals?

14-5 What Are the Earth’s Major Geological Hazards?

1

What are tectonic plates and how do they move?

1

What are the geological activities that can take place at the boundaries between tectonic plates?

1

What is the difference between magma and lava? How are the two terms related?

1

What are some of the benefits of volcanoes?

1

What is a tsunami, and why is the name "tidal wave" incorrect?