litosphere

These flashcards cover essential concepts regarding geological processes, types of rocks, and aspects of mineral exploitation as discussed in the lecture.

There are __ types of weathering.

Three

Physical weathering involves disintegration of a rock into smaller pieces by __ action without changing its chemical composition.

Mechanical

In chemical weathering, disintegration happens due to __ reactions in a rock.

Chemical

The three types of rocks are __, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous

Magma that cools __ underground is referred to as intrusive.

Slowly

Extrusive igneous rocks form when magma cools __ on the earth's surface.

Quickly

Sedimentary rocks are formed from __ that are compacted and cemented together.

Sediments

A common metamorphic rock derived from limestone is __.

Marble

High pressure and temperature cause __ of minerals under stress in metamorphic processes.

Recrystallization

The rock cycle includes processes such as __, sedimentation, and metamorphism.

Weathering

Hydrothermal deposits are typically formed from fluids rich in __ or minerals.

Metals

The term __ refers to any rock containing a mineral that can be exploited for commercial use.

Mineral deposit

Ore is defined as a rock containing a __ of minerals that make it economically viable to extract.

Significant amount

Increasing the depth of a mineral deposit __ the cost of extraction.

Increases

The __ grade is the minimum percentage of a competent mineral required for economic viability.

Cut-off

As the purity of a mineral increases, the amount of mineral present on the planet __ exponentially.

Decreases

Mining may result in the __ of habitats and loss of biodiversity in the affected regions.

Destruction

Natural processes such as erosion can be exacerbated by __ actions associated with mining.

Human

Active treatment for acid mine drainage involves using lime to increase the __ of leachate.

pH

Mineral exploitation must consider the balance between production costs and __ from mining activities.

Environmental impacts

Exploitation of minerals like __ may result in heavy metal contamination of water bodies.

Copper

Habitat restoration after mining can create __ resources for local biodiversity.

New

is a key factor affecting mining viability due to its influence on extraction costs.

Ore grade