Extraction and Uses of Mineral Resources: Mining Impacts and Mitigation
Mineral Resources and Their Extraction
Industrial Resources
Ornamental Rocks: Examples include marble and granite. Quarries extract these in block form, requiring minimal treatment before use.
Sand & Gravel: These are fragments of rock, gravel, and sand. Extracted from gravel pits, they are washed and crushed for use in concrete and fill.
Rocks with Industrial Processes: Limestone, dolomite, and some clays are used to make cement. Sandstones rich in quartz and quartzite are used to make glass.
Non-
Read MoreUniverse, Earth, and Life Origins: From Big Bang to Protocells
The Origin of the Universe
The Sun is a yellow star located on the outskirts of the Milky Way galaxy. Galaxies are clusters of billions of stars held together by the force of gravity. Before the appearance of the universe, it was empty of matter.
The Big Bang
The Big Bang is a theory that explains how the universe was formed. According to this theory, the universe was formed due to a great expansion of elementary particles. At the beginning, positively charged particles collided in a sea of photons.
Read MoreWater and Soil: Resources, Usage, and Pollution
Water: A Vital Resource
The history of mankind has always been marked by the availability of water, which has encouraged the flourishing of civilizations. Water is essential for the existence and maintenance of organisms. It is vital for all necessary processes and reactions characteristic of living beings. A significant proportion of living things is water. Water flows on the earth’s surface between the oceans, atmosphere, and continents, in a process of continuous exchange called the hydrological
Minerals and Rocks: Properties, Types, and Uses
Minerals: Definition and Properties
Minerals are defined by four characteristics:
- Solid – You cannot pass through them.
- Composition – Each mineral has a specific chemical composition.
- Natural Origin – They occur naturally.
- Crystal Structure – Atoms are arranged regularly in three dimensions.
Formation of Minerals
- Precipitation: Substances are sedimented.
- Solidification of Magma
- Recrystallization: Existing minerals re-crystallize when cooled.
- Sublimation: Gas transitions directly to solid (e.g., sulfur).
Each
Read MoreWind and Coastal Erosion: Landforms and Sedimentation
Wind Erosion and its Effects
For wind erosion to occur, a significant amount of material needs to be dissolved, there must be little vegetation, and low humidity. Wind erosion manifests primarily through two processes:
- Deflation: The wind picks up loose material, ranging from small to medium sizes, and transports it to other locations.
- Wind Abrasion: Thanks to the material transported by deflation, the wind erodes and polishes the surface of rocks.
Methods of Erosion and Resulting Landforms
- Alveoli: