Geology test 4

Weathering processes are primarily responsible for the concentration of what types of ore?

Show answer choices

copper

cadmium

aluminum

gold

aluminum

True/false

Environmental regulation has largely failed to reduce pollution from mining.

False

1. Hydrothermal mineral deposits would be most expected to form in what type of plate tectonic setting?

   Show answer choices

   continental rifts

   intraplate earthquake zone

   transform boundary

   oceanic divergent boundary

transform boundary

What is the principal societal impact of mining operations?

Show answer choices

crime rates among poorly paid miners

effects of soil and water degradation on public health

death of workers in mining accidents

boom and bust cycles that impact local economies and social structure

boom and bust cycles that impact local economies and social structure

Placer deposits are expected in what type of rock?

Show answer choices

igneous

hydrothermal

metamorphic

sedimentary

sedimentary

True/false

Affluent nations tend to be totally reliant on domestic mineral sources.

False

Most water pollution associated with mining operations has to do with

Show answer choices

failure of waste ponds

hazardous chemical spills

water passing through mine wastes

improper disposal of incinerator ash

water passing through mine wastes

Because of the low levels of energy involved, weathering processes rarely produce valuable mineral concentrations.

False

What does the Fossil Trace Golf Course in Golden, Colorado, have to do with mineral resources?

Show answer choices

The fossils there contain concentrations of precious metals.

Mineral deposits in the rocks beneath the golf course were found to contain recoverable concentrations of zinc and iron, leading to conflict between mining and recreation.

Hazardous wastes from years of mining in the area were dumped there.

It was constructed in a reclaimed limestone-clay quarry.

It was constructed in a reclaimed limestone-clay quarry

If surface mines tend to cause greater environmental impacts, why are they used?

Show answer choices

Subsurface mines are more hazardous to miners.

Cyanide is not required to process ore from a surface mine.

Surface mines are more economical.

Surface mines require the excavation of less rock.

Surface mines are more economical

True/false

Because it is isolated from the land surface, groundwater is rarely contaminated by mining.

False

Air and water pollution are only of concern while a mine is operating.

True or false

False

If surface mines tend to cause greater environmental impacts, why are they used?

Show answer choices

Subsurface mines are more hazardous to miners.

Surface mines are more economical.

Surface mines require the excavation of less rock.

Cyanide is not required to process ore from a surface mine.

Surface mines are more economical

Because of the low levels of energy involved, weathering processes rarely produce valuable mineral concentrations

False

What is the principal societal impact of mining operations?

Show answer choices

crime rates among poorly paid miners

death of workers in mining accidents

effects of soil and water degradation on public health

boom and bust cycles that impact local economies and social structure

boom and bust cycles that impact local economies and social structure

Smelter emissions often cause what type of adverse environmental degradation?

Show answer choices

global warming

acid rain

asbestos deposition

acid mine drainage

acid rain

Kimberlite pipes are sources of what mineral?

Show answer choices

silver

gold

copper

diamond

diamond

Hydrothermal mineral deposits would be most expected to form in what type of plate tectonic setting?

Show answer choices

oceanic divergent boundary

intraplate earthquake zone

transform boundary

continental rifts

oceanic divergent boundary

What is the principal reason that iron and steel are recycled at such a high rate?

Show answer choices

Iron and steel are highly valuable on the precious metals market.

The market for steel is large and widespread.

Environmental regulations mandated iron and steel recycling starting in the 1950s.

All sources of iron ore have been more or less exhausted.

The market for steel is large and widespread

Because it is isolated from the land surface, groundwater is rarely contaminated by mining.

T

True

F

False

False

What phase of mining generally causes the least environmental degradation?

Show answer choices

extraction

exploration and testing

reclamation

processing

exploration and testing

A concentration of minerals that could now be legally mined at a profit is called a

Show answer choices

metal

resource

reserve

mineral deposit

reserve

Weathering processes are primarily responsible for the concentration of what types of ore?

Show answer choices

aluminum

gold

cadmium

copper

aluminum

If surface mines tend to cause greater environmental impacts, why are they used?

Show answer choices

Cyanide is not required to process ore from a surface mine.

Surface mines are more economical.

Surface mines require the excavation of less rock.

Subsurface mines are more hazardous to miners.

Surface mines are more economical.

Smelter emissions often cause what type of adverse environmental degradation?

Show answer choices

asbestos deposition

acid mine drainage

acid rain

global warming

acid rain

Nuclear fission is the process of

Show answer choices

bringing light atoms together to make heavier atoms

using solar energy to excite atomic nuclei

splitting of heavy atoms to make light atoms

producing nuclear fuel

splitting of heavy atoms to make light atoms

Wind power generation has grown rapidly in the past decade.

True/false

True

Given current trends, oil supplies are likely to be largely consumed by the end of the 21st century.

True or false

True

True or false

Nuclear power from splitting of U-235 is a renewable energy resource.

True

The ultimate source of geothermal energy is

Show answer choices

hydroelectric

the sun

deeply buried biomass

heat generated in the Earth's interior

heat generated in the Earth’s interior

Between the mid-1970s and the mid-1990s, energy consumption in the United States

Show answer choices

increased at a higher rate than previously

increased, but at a slower rate

decreased

remained the same

increased, but at a slower rate

Which of the following geologic situations is most likely to contain significant oil concentrations?

Show answer choices

150-million-year-old rocks that are flat lying and unfaulted

1.1-billion-year-old rocks that accumulated in the vicinity of a divergent plate boundary

200-million-year-old rocks that have been exposed by uplift in a subduction zone

300-million-year-old rocks that accumulated in a subsiding sedimentary basin

300-million-year-old rocks that accumulated in a subsiding sedimentary basin

1. The future use of photovoltaics and solar panels is likely to

   Show answer choices

   increase, because they can be adapted to meet a variety of needs

   increase, because the energy is less expensive than that generated by fossil fuels

   decrease, because they require large, centralized generating facilities

   decrease, because they have proven to be inefficient

2. Question 2

increase, because they can be adapted to meet a variety of needs

Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is a potentially viable site for nuclear waste disposal because

Show answer choices

the area is been geologically stable for more than 100 million years

the salt deposits there will flow slowly into mine openings, sealing off the waste

it features a strong rock in a dry climate

it is an uncontroversial site

it features a strong rock in a dry climate

Most of the largest oil and gas fields are located in continental interiors, far from plate boundaries.

True or false

False

Wind power generation has grown rapidly in the past decade.

True or false

True

The ultimate source of the energy in fossil fuels is

Show answer choices

biomass

the Earth's internal heat

the sun

the energy of the plants and animals from which the fuel is formed

the sun

At the time of "peak oil," gas prices are likely to peak.

True or false

False

Water power development is "clean" and has no environmental impacts.

True or false

False

Which of the following geologic features is generally required for an oil or gas deposit to form?

Show answer choices

reservoir rock

source rock

volcanic rock

cap rock

reservoir rock

source rock

cap rock

Most coal has the same sulfur content, but varies widely in heat content.

False

Most of the largest oil and gas fields are located in continental interiors, far from plate boundaries.

True or false

False

Why is coal usage likely to increase in the future?

Show answer choices

Mining and processing of coal create minimal environmental impact.

Coal is an abundant resource in relation to oil and gas.

Coal is a relatively clean energy resource in terms of air pollution.

Coal is generally considered a renewable resource.

Coal is an abundant resource in relation to oil and gas

Why does acid rain result from fossil fuel consumption?

Show answer choices

Fossil fuel burning releases nitrogen and sulfur oxides.

Particulates emitted from fossil fuel burning settle in lakes and acidifies them.

Fossil fuel burning releases stored organic carbon.

Fossil fuels heat the atmosphere, making rain more acidic.

Fossil fuel burning releases nitrogen and sulfur oxides

Why does acid rain result from fossil fuel consumption?

Show answer choices

Fossil fuels heat the atmosphere, making rain more acidic.

Fossil fuel burning releases stored organic carbon.

Particulates emitted from fossil fuel burning settle in lakes and acidifies them.

Fossil fuel burning releases nitrogen and sulfur oxides.

Fossil fuel burning releases nitrogen and sulfur oxides

The main difference between hard path and soft path energy policy is

Show answer choices

their contrasting economic viability

the reliance on fossil fuels and centralized power generation

their contrasting reliance on known energy sources

their contrasting reliance on government subsidies

the reliance on fossil fuels and centralized power generation

Methane hydrates may be a viable future energy source because

Show answer choices

they are abundant and clean burning

they have the same chemical composition as natural gas

they are easily obtained from their deposits

they are not fossil fuels and therefore will not contribute to the greenhouse effect

they are abundant and clean burning

they have the same chemical composition as natural gas

The temperature of the Earth depends on which of the following factors?

Show answer choices

the amount of heat retention by the atmosphere

the amount of solar energy reflected and absorbed

the climate

the amount of sunlight received

the amount of heat rentention by the atmosphere

the amount of solar energy reflected and absorbed

the amount of sunlight received

Non-anthropogenic climate change forcing variables include:

Show answer choices

ocean circulation

sea level rise

volcanic activity

changes in energy from the sun

plate tectonics

ocean circulation

volcanic activity

changes in energy from the sun

plate tectonics

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have the capacity to influence both the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion.

True or false

True

Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions over some area.

True or false

True

Milankovitch cycles are the changes in the amount of solar energy the earth receives due to changes in Earth's orbit, the tilt of Earth's axis, and the wobble in Earth's rotation.  
true or false

True

What is an interglacial?

Show answer choices

a cold period when glacial ice volume is relatively high

a warm period when glacial ice volume is relatively low

the zone of a glacier in which flow occurs

an area between glaciers

a warm period when glacial ice volume is relatively low

A continental ice sheet once covered most of Canada.

True or false

True

The ocean conveyor belt is responsible for

Show answer choices

keeping the North Atlantic region cool enough to form sea ice

changing world climate on 100,000-year time scales

the major adverse aspects of the Greenhouse Effect

keeping northern Europe relatively warm

keeping northern Europe relatively warm

In what way can human practices contribute to desertification?

Show answer choices

growth of too much crop cover

overgrazing by livestock

irrigation with rainwater

growth of trees

overgrazing by livestock

Why was Erik the Red able to explore Greenland in the 10th century AD?

He managed to sail the North Atlantic during a two-year period of minimal storms.

His explorations took place during a particularly warm climatic period.

Sea temperatures were cooler, so there was less propensity for storms.

There was no glacial ice in Greenland at the time.

His explorations took place during a particularly warm climatic period

The greenhouse effect has affected Earth's global climate for most of Earth's history.

True

he following are considered to be greenhouse gases

Show answer choices

water vapor

methane

carbon dioxide

oxygen

nitrous oxide

nitrogen

water vapor

methane

carbon dioxide

nitrous oxide

Deserts typically are completely devoid of vegetation and are covered with sand dunes.

False

Loess is deposited by

sand dunes

glacial outwash

wind erosion

dust storms

dust storms

What effect does a large composite volcano eruption typically have on the atmosphere?

cooling for one or two years

increases in CFCs

cooling for several decades

warming for several years

cooling for one or two years

What is the main engineering problem associated with permafrost?

difficulty in growing vegetation to control soil erosion

melting of permafrost produces subsidence

difficulty in setting building foundations in frozen ground

cold temperatures make construction materials more brittle

difficulty in setting building foundations in frozen ground

Proxy data is used to determine paleoclimates, including

tree rings

glacial ice cores

sea-surface air temperature

corals

fossil pollen

tree rings

corals

glacial ice cores

fossil pollen

Ice core data from Antarctica show that greenhouse gas concentrations have been higher during glaciations and lower during interglaciations. True or false

False

Carbon dioxide is the dominant gas, by volume, in the atmosphere.

False

Radon typically is elevated in certain regions because of certain types of

waste disposal

rainfall

bedrock

industrial air pollution

bedrock

What was the main cause of environmental problems at Love Canal?

poor housing construction techniques

detrimental attitudes amongst residents regarding hazardous wastes

careless disposal of hazardous wastes

improper cleanup techniques

careless disposal of hazardous wastes

Which of the following is the most abundant gas emitted from landfills?

oxygen

carbon monoxide

carbon dioxide

methane

methane

What adverse effect is common to nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide?

direct damage to plant tissues

damage to substances such as rubber, paint, and textiles

production of acid rain

lung irritation

production of acid rain

The Roman Empire is thought to have fallen in part because of poisoning by

selenium

carbon monoxide

lead

cadmium

lead

The biggest fundamental challenge to attaining sustainability in the future will be

overpopulation

increases in the incidence of natural hazards

fossil fuel emissions

new ideas for environmental protection

overpopulation

The source of radon gas in the home is typically

waste from uranium mining operations in the region

decay of airborne uranium

uranium-bearing rocks and soil underlying the house

radioactive components of electronics equipment

uranium-bearing rocks and soil underlying the house

Paper products are the most abundant solid waste. True or false

True

Why are particulates in the air considered such a significant health hazard?

They are emitted largely by natural sources.

Small amounts can be acutely toxic to humans and livestock.

They can cause respiratory problems.

They are concentrated in rural areas.

they can cause respiratory problems

The National Environmental Policy Act mandates what type of process before the development of an area?

multiple land use

land-use planning

environmental impact statements

environmental litigation

environmental impact statements

What is leachate?

a mineralized liquid generated by rainwater flowing through landfills

methane gas that leaks from sanitary landfills

hazardous waste left over from biochemical degradation of chemical wastes

an ash by-product of waste incineration

a mineralized liquid generated by rainwater flowing through landfills

Secondary pollutants are created by

secondary industrial processes

reaction of primary pollutants in the atmosphere

reaction of ozone with ultraviolet light

mobile sources, such as automobiles

reaction of primary pollutants in the atmosphere

Why is the atmosphere such a convenient medium for disposal of wastes?

The atmosphere is largely unused by humans, so is a good medium in which to dispose of wastes.

The atmosphere is very dynamic, so it readily dilutes and transports wastes from their sources.

Reactions in the atmosphere readily break down most pollutants.

The atmosphere adapts to increased pollution emissions, so has been able to keep pace with industrialization and urbanization.

the atmosphere is very dynamic, so it readily dilutes and transports wastes from their sources

Indoor air pollution at home or the workplace can be caused by

radon gas emitted by relatively shallow uranium-bearing soils or bedrock and/or granite countertops

cleaning chemicals

upholstery and carpets treated with fire retardant chemicals

carbon monoxide

all of the above contribute to indoor air pollution

all of the above contribute to indoor air pollution

Deep-well disposal of hazardous wastes can result in

Show answer choices

earthquakes

landslides

contamination of surface waters

collapse of groundwater aquifer structures

landslides

"Superfund" sites are those that

have been abandoned by previous owners

contain contamination with organic wastes

have been cleaned up efficiently

have clear ownership and responsibility for contamination

have been abandoned by previous owners

What is the most important consideration in site selection for a sanitary landfill?

proximity to urban areas

geological and climatic conditions that will promote dilution of wastes by abundant water flow

geological and climatic conditions that will limit water flow through the landfill

the socioeconomic makeup of the surrounding population

geologicaland climatic conditions that will limit water flow through the landfill