Earth Science Quiz: Minerals and Rocks

Earth Science Subsystems

• Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth; composed of five sub-layers based on altitude.

  • Exosphere: Extends from 800 to 3000 km.
  • Thermosphere: Ranges from 80-90 km to 800 km.
  • Mesosphere: Covers 40-50 km to 80-90 km.
  • Stratosphere: Extends from 11 km to 50 km.
  • Troposphere: Lowest layer, from 0 to 12-18 km.

• Biosphere: Encompasses all regions of Earth where life exists.

• Hydrosphere: Total water content on Earth, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.

• Geosphere: Earth’s solid components, including rocks, minerals, and landforms.

Minerals

• Definition: Naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.

• Characteristics:

  • Naturally occurring, from Earth's processes.
  • Inorganic, formed through physical processes.
  • Homogeneous solid with a definite volume and shape.
  • Definite chemical composition expressed by a formula.
  • Crystalline structure with an orderly pattern.

• Physical Properties:

  • Color: Varies based on surface and surroundings.
  • Streak: Powder color obtained when scratched on a tile.
  • Hardness: Ability to scratch or be scratched by other minerals.
  • Cleavage: Tendency to break along specific planes.
  • Diaphaneity: Transparency levels (transparent, translucent, opaque).
  • Luster: Reflection of light; can be metallic, dull, glossy, or pearly.
  • Tenacity: Response to stress.
  • Brittleness, Malleability, Ductility, Sectility: Various ways minerals physically react under different stresses.
  • Flexibility: Ability to retain shape after being bent.

Types of Rocks

• Igneous Rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock.

• Sedimentary Rocks: Created from accumulation and compaction of pre-existing rocks or organic materials.

• Metamorphic Rocks: Result from high heat and pressure affecting existing rocks.

Mining Techniques

• Surface Mining: Extraction of minerals near the Earth’s surface.

  • Open-pit Mining: For shallow deposits; involves removing overburden.
  • Strip Mining: Rectangular removal of overburden, typical for coal.
  • Dredging: Extraction of sediments from underwater.

• Underground Mining: Safely extracts ore from below the surface with minimal waste.

Mineral Processing Steps

• Sampling: Collecting representative portions of ore for analysis.

• Analysis: Evaluating ore components (chemical and mineral composition).

• Comminution: Breaking down ore through crushing and grinding.

• Concentration: Separating valuable minerals from raw materials.

• Dewatering: Removal of water from ore to yield solid material.

Fossil Fuels

• Coal: Combustible rock formed in layers known as coal seams.

• Natural Gas: Exists in gaseous state, used as a fuel source.

• Petroleum (Crude Oil): Fossil fuel from decomposed ancient marine organisms.

Geothermal Energy Types

• Dry Steam Power Plant: Uses underground steam to drive a turbine.

• Flash Steam Power Plant: Hot fluid converted to vapor to turn a turbine.

• Binary Cycle Power Plant: Transfers heat from one fluid to another to drive a generator.

Environmental Issues

• Water Pollution: Surface water contamination impacts ecosystems; can harm wildlife.

• Soil Contamination: Can detrimentally affect plant life through root absorption.

• Overgrazing: Leads to desertification and loss of biodiversity.

Types of Waste

• Liquid Waste: Found in households and industries; includes chemicals and sewage.

• Solid Waste: Comprises plastics, paper, metals, and ceramics; often recyclable.

• Organic Waste: Comprises food scraps and garden refuse.

• Hazardous Waste: Requires special disposal due to toxicity and potential dangers.

Waste by Generation Origin

• Municipal Solid Waste: Includes everyday garbage from households and construction.

• Industrial Waste: Generated from manufacturing processes across various industries.

• Agricultural Waste: Produced from farming activities including livestock.

• Fishery Waste: Byproducts from fishery activities, prevalent in coastal areas.

• Radioactive Waste: Byproducts from nuclear processes; can arise from non-nuclear industries.

• E-Waste: Discarded electronic devices from modern establishments.

• Biomedical Waste: Medical waste generated from health care practices and research.

Soil and Farming Practices

• Soil: Composed of organic and inorganic materials facilitating plant growth.

• Tillage: Preparation and cultivation of soil for planting.

• No-Till Farming: Maintains soil structure by keeping crops in place.

• Buffer Strips: Vegetation used to prevent erosion.

• Crop Rotation: Alternating crops to enhance soil conservation.

• Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers improve soil quality and promote plant growth.

Stormwater Management

• Dams: Provide soil erosion control and water retention.

• Monitoring: Regular checks on soil composition and plant health are essential for sustainable farming practices.

Test your knowledge on the layers of the atmosphere, mineral classification, and the formation of sedimentary rocks. This quiz explores key properties of minerals and their interactions with light. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these fundamental concepts in Earth science.