The Rock Cycle and Mineral Extraction Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering rock types, the rock cycle, ore definitions, surface extraction methods, and geological/economic factors affecting resource extraction.

Igneous Rock

A rock formed by the crystallization of magma or lava, made up of interlocking crystals, and non-porous.

Sedimentary Rock

A rock formed through the processes of compaction and cementation of sediment layers.

Metamorphic Rock

A rock formed by heat and pressure, made up of crystals, and non-porous.

Weathering

The process of large rocks breaking up into small pieces.

Deposition

The process where sediments settle in layers at the bottom of a body of water, such as an ocean.

Transportation

The process by which sediments are moved away from their original location.

Compaction

The squashing together of sediment layers by the weight of the sediments and water above.

Cementation

The process where layers of sediments stick together to form sedimentary rock.

Magma

Molten rock located underground.

Lava

Molten rock that is outside on the Earth's surface.

Extrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed on the outside of the Earth's surface that cools quickly and does not make big crystals.

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed inside the Earth underground from slow-cooling magma.

Non-porous

A property of rocks made up of interlocking crystals that prevents water from getting inside.

Permeability

The ability of water to pass through rock and soil via pore spaces.

Ore

A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably.

Bauxite

A naturally occurring ore used as a source for Aluminum.

Haematite

A naturally occurring ore used as a source for iron.

Surface Extraction

A method used to remove metallic ores or minerals located near the Earth's surface.

Open-pit Mining

A surface extraction method where a large open hole is dug to mine ores after removing the overlying soil and rock.

Overburden

The overlying soil and rock that is removed during open-pit mining to reach the ore beneath.

Exploration

The search for areas where valuable minerals or rocks can be found using methods like drilling, sampling, and satellite surveys.

Satellite Surveys

Measurement methods that use signals from orbiting space satellites to obtain precise locations during exploration.

Geology

The study of the structure and composition of the Earth's crust.

Accessibility

How easy it is to reach a mining site, affected by location and terrain features.

Ore Grade

The concentration of a metal or mineral within a rock deposit.

High-grade Ore

An ore containing a large concentration of the desired material, making it more profitable to extract.

Low-grade Ore

An ore containing a low concentration of metal that produces less metal and requires more processing, increasing costs.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A study carried out before a mining project begins to understand its impacts on land, water, air, plants, and animals.

Supply and Demand

Economic factors where low supply drives up market prices, making resource extraction more profitable.

Underground Tunnel Flooding

A mining hazard caused when heavy rainfall rushes down into an existing mine or underground tunnel.