Resource geology

What happened during the big bang?

Formed hydrogen and hellium

condensed and formed galaxies and stars

fusion reactions formed elements

Formation of planets around stars

How did hydrogen form?

1 Proton

initial high energy particles combined due to the high temperatures of the big band

How was helium formed?

2 neutrons, 2 protons

formed by the fusion of hydrogens, as temperatures cooled down, stable helium formed

What was gravitational collapse?

after the big bang, hydrogen and hellium cooled merging to form galaxies

What was fusion?

nuclear fusion within the stars combined lighter elements to form heavier elements which released energy

What is the earths crust?

Where most materials are found

The lighter the element is, the closer it is to the crust

What elements would you find in the mantle?

Iron

magnesium

silicone

What is the core?

the center of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel

divided into a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

What is elemental localisation?

The distribution of elements within the Earth's layers, primarily in the crust, mantle, and core.

Why is elemental localisation important?

improves access - materials are easier to find and extract

simplifies extraction - reduces time and cost

facilitates detection of rare and useful elements

Formation of minerals

Most elements are found as minerals which are usually found as oxides and sulphides. `

What is hematite?

Fe2O3

Founded in banded iron formatons

What is covellite?

CuS

copper deposits

What is quartz?

SiO2

What are minerals?

naturally occuring inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and a ordered atomic arrangement

Mineral formation from magma

Magma - molten mixture of metal oxides and sulfides

Different compounds have different normal melting temperatures and densities

cooling process, rapid or slow which process determines the mineral composition and distribution within rocks affecting resource accessability

then pressure forces the magma into cracks followed by dissolution and precipitation

what minerals are formed through rapid cooling?

Under sea volcanoes

the magma cools quickly forming small crystallites

e.g. granite

What minerals are formed through slow cooling?

Underground minerals crystalise sequentially starting with the compounds with higher melting points

what is hydrothermal action?

forms minerals through superheated water acting as a solvent

What is the process of hydrothermal action?

1. groundwater is heated by hot rock underground

2. superheated water dissolves minerals

3. mineral rick water flows to a cooler area

4. minerals recrystalise forming strata/bands

What are igneous rocks?

Formed by cooling and solidification of magma

granite

What does igneous rock composition depend on?

magma composition

where it was released

rate of cooling

What are sedimentary rocks?

produced by weathering of rock formation

chemical and physical abrasion causes sediments which are washed into seas and covered over

sediments compact and cement

What are metamorphic rocks?

alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure

Plate movement and volcanoes alter rock structure without completely melting

How are sedimentary rocks formed?

1. erosion - weathering breaks down existing rocks into sediments which are carried by wind and water

   2. deposition - loose sediments settle in layers at the bottom of the sea

   3. compaction - weight from above compresses lower layers expelling water and increasing mineral concentration

      cementation - dissolved minerals glue the sediments together which layers build up over millions of years

porosity in sedimentary rocks?

Well soorted sediments have high porosity

oil and gas can be stored in the pores

trapped water can become frozen which can thaw in the rock which can damage it

what are properties of igneous rocks?

Hard and weather resistant

very strong, no alignment

What are aggregates?

Made from the breakdown of sand, gravel and clay through erosion and mechanical breakdown

What are fine aggregates?

less then 0.075mm

mud clay/ slitsW

What are fine aggregates?

0.1-5mm

sand and granules

fill gaps in concrete

What are coarse aggregates?

5-40mm

pebbles

add strength to roads/ buildings

What are large rocks

bigger then 40mm

broken down by crushing

Needed properties of aggregates?

Need good crushing strength - hard sedimentary and igneous rocks are used

Poorly sorted so it fills spaces decreasing porosity

What are the sources of aggregates?

1. sand and gravel - river planes, naturally occuring

2. recycled waste material - steel, mining, coking

3. crushed quarry rocks - consistent quality, majour load bearing

   1. immense holes in the ground

How does aggregates cause habitat loss?

• destruction of natural habitats e.g. open pit mines in the amazon

  • landscapre restoration to prevent this

How does aggregates cause water pollution?

• contamination of surface and ground water e.g. quarry by a lake

  • effluent treatments to prevent this

How does aggregates cause noise pollution?

Disturbance to local communities and wildlife e.g. crushing sites near houses

noise narriers and restricted house

What other enviromental implications does aggregates cause?

washing away beaches

removing mountains

holes in the ground

transport costs

What are important factors in road aggregates?

Shape - equidimensional over flat, angular packs well

Size - decrease the size as you get towards the top layer

density - prevent thaw