Chapter 16 Focus Questions

CHAPTER 16 FOCUS QUESTIONS

Week 1: 16.1 & 16.2, Wed Mar 7 - Mar 8 Define term mineral. a naturally occurring, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition, an orderly internal structure, and a characteristic set of physical properties.

Distinguish between compound and native minerals. native elements are elements on periodic table, compounds are composed of two or more chemically bonded elements

Provide examples of metallic and nonmetallic minerals and their uses aluminum- cooking utinsels; foil; cans; airplane, car bodies chromium- alloy mix for lightweight steel for construction, car trim copper- cooking utinsels, electric wiring, pipes (plumbing) siica- main component of computer chips gypsum wallboard, concrete halite (rock salt) seasoning, lower temperature to make frozen desserts

Describe three processes by which minerals form. cooling of magma evaporation of water that contains salts circulation of hot-water solutions in rocks

Describe the manner in which mining companies explore for new mineral deposits. Rock samples are taken from exploration areas and analyzed to determine ore grade and the metal content of an ore.

Describe three methods of subsurface mining. 1. Room And Pillar: A network of entries, called rooms, are cut into a seam, a horizontal layer of coal. Between the rooms, pillars of coal are left standing to support the room. 2. Longwall: A machine called a shearer moves back and forth along the face of a coal seam. As coal is sheared from the long wall, it falls onto a conveyor and is transported out of the mine. The miners and their equipment are protected by a row of hydraulic roof supports. 3. Solution Mining: The ore is dissolvd by injecting it with hot water. Compressed air is then pumped into the dissolved ore, and air bubbles lift it to the surface.

Describe two methods of surface mining. Open-Pit Mining: ores are mined downward, layer by layer. Explosive are used, if needed, to break up the ore, before it is hauled out by trucks. Open pits, called quarries, are used to mine materials such as building stone, crushed rock, sand, and gravel. Coal surface mining: Top layers removed to reach coal near surface. CHAPTER 16 FOCUS QUESTIONS

Week 2, 16.3, Mon Mar 19 - Thurs Mar 22 Describe seven important potential environmental consequences of mining Air and Noise Pollution Water Contamination Displacement of Wildlife Erosion and Sedimentation soil and materials form non-pont source pollution, can accumulate in waterways Soil Degradation process of distrubng natural layers of soil, particularily exposing sulfur rich materials to elements that can cause acidification Subsidence (sinking of ground) Underground Mine Fires (usually in coal mines)

What are the federal laws regarding mining? How do state governments regulate mining? Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Endangered Species Act The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 State environmental agencies issue permits to mining a site. inspecting mines to ensure compliance with environmental regulations

Can mined land be restored to its original condition? Assumption is yes, laws regulate how this will be done

What is meant by the term reclamation? The process of returning land to its original condition after mining is completed.