Mining and Processing of Ore Minerals
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Questions and Answers

What is the main process through which ore minerals are deposited from hydrothermal fluids?

  • Chemical alteration and recrystallization (correct)
  • Selective sifting of sediments
  • Sedimentation from groundwater
  • Evaporation and crystallization
  • Placer deposits are formed by the selective sifting of smaller sediments, leaving behind heavier materials.

    False

    What is the largest ocean on Earth?

  • Pacific Ocean (correct)
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Indian Ocean
  • What are the three common types of ore minerals mentioned in the content?

    <p>Gold ore, Iron ore, Copper ore</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Salinity refers to the measure of saltiness in saltwater.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process that can create evaporate deposits from saltwater minerals is known as __________.

    <p>evaporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of mineral deposits with their formation process:

    <p>Hydrothermal deposits = Alteration and recrystallization from magma Evaporite deposits = Precipitation from saltwater minerals Placer deposits = Selective sifting of heavier sediments Sedimentary deposits = Accumulation from sediment under water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name the world's largest glacier.

    <p>Lambert Glacier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The freshwater stored in glaciers and ice sheets is estimated to exceed _____ km³.

    <p>24 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following glaciers with their characteristics:

    <p>Lambert Glacier = World's largest glacier Bering Glacier = World's longest glacier East Antarctica = Location of the Lambert Glacier Alaska = Location of the Bering Glacier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these factors makes seawater less salty?

    <p>Groundwater inflow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most of the freshwater on Earth is easily accessible in rivers and lakes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of stored freshwater is concentrated in Antarctica?

    <p>90%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of permafrost?

    <p>Earth that is completely frozen for at least two consecutive years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Groundwater makes up about 50% of the total freshwater on the planet.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the types of surface water reservoirs?

    <p>Streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An __________ is a region where water covers the land for significant periods.

    <p>wetland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following bodies of water with their characteristics:

    <p>Cagayan River = Moving body of surface water that flows downslope Laguna de Bay = A large body of fresh or saline water surrounded by land Caspian Sea = World’s largest lake Lake Baikal = World’s deepest lake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does evaporation affect surface water reservoirs?

    <p>It causes bodies of water to lose water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aquifers hold subsurface water and are important for freshwater supply.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Freshwater is not __________ equally across the globe.

    <p>distributed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world's population does Canada represent in terms of liquid freshwater availability?

    <p>0.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Thermal desalination is a process that adds salt to freshwater.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major receipt in the water budget?

    <p>Precipitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The largest portion of freshwater today is located in _____

    <p>Glaciers and ice sheets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which human activity is NOT associated with improving water quality?

    <p>Land conversion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following human activities to their potential impact on water quality:

    <p>Land conversion = Decreased water quality Runoff from developed lands = Pollution of water bodies Agricultural activities = Nutrient runoff Air emissions = Acidification of water sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wetlands are an important source of groundwater recharge.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of freshwater withdrawals, the term 'Domestic' refers to activities such as _____

    <p>showering and drinking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main consequence of groundwater mining?

    <p>Decreased volume of groundwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Soft water has a high mineral content, primarily consisting of Ca2+ and Mg2+.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the presence of fecal coliforms in water indicate?

    <p>Contamination by feces of humans or animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ideal pH range for drinking water is between _____ and _____.

    <p>6.5, 8.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following contaminants with their associated sources:

    <p>Untreated sewage = Human waste Pesticides = Agriculture Nitrates = Fertilizers and livestock Chemicals = Industries and gas stations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Ore Minerals

    • Ore minerals are naturally occurring solid materials from which metals or valuable minerals can be profitably extracted, such as gold, iron, and copper.
    • The extraction process involves a combination of mining, refining, and processing to separate the valuable minerals from the ore.

    Chemical Composition

    • The chemical composition and the percentage of extractable resources determine the profitability of an ore.
    • Market value depends on demand and resource availability.

    Ore Mineral Deposition Processes

    • Hydrothermal deposits form when groundwater or seawater is heated by magma, leading to mineral vein formation that hosts metals like gold and silver.
    • Evaporate deposits result from the precipitation of saltwater minerals (e.g., halite, gypsum) and the evaporation of lake water.

    Placer Deposits

    • Wave action can cause selective sifting, leading to the concentration of heavier sediments in placer deposits.
    • These deposits are significant sources of minerals, influenced by environmental conditions.

    Groundwater and Aquifers

    • Groundwater, which constitutes about 30.1% of global freshwater, accumulates in aquifers composed of porous rock.
    • Groundwater volume is approximately 40 times larger than surface water and is critical for agriculture and domestic use.

    Surface and Freshwater Reservoirs

    • Surface water reservoirs include various bodies of water like streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, essential for the hydrologic cycle.
    • The total surface freshwater primarily resides in glaciers and ice sheets, covering 15 million km².

    Oceans and Saltwater Reservoirs

    • Oceans cover 71% of Earth’s surface and are divided into five major basins by size; the Pacific Ocean being the largest.
    • Salt concentration in oceans is affected by evaporation and precipitation, influencing marine ecosystems.

    Water Scarcity and Desalination

    • Freshwater withdrawals for agriculture, industry, and domestic use reflect the growing pressure on available water resources.
    • Thermal desalination is a process for extracting freshwater from saltwater, critical in water-scarce areas.

    Effects of Human Activities

    • Human activities such as land conversion, agricultural runoff, and industrial operations impact water quality and availability.
    • Contaminants include untreated sewage, agricultural pesticides, and leakage of harmful chemicals.

    Groundwater Mining

    • Over-extraction of groundwater leads to lower water tables, droughts, and land subsidence, emphasizing sustainable management practices.

    Water Quality Testing

    • Water quality is assessed through physical tests (pH, temperature, turbidity), chemical analysis (total dissolved solids, nitrates), and bacteriological analysis (coliform presence).
    • Hard water contains high mineral content (Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺), while soft water has low mineral content.

    Key Lakes and Wetlands

    • Notable lakes include the Caspian Sea (world's largest) and Lake Baikal (world's deepest).
    • Wetlands cover 8.5% of the land surface and are vital for biodiversity and water quality management.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the journey of ore minerals from their natural occurrence to extraction and processing for human use. Topics covered include gold, iron, and copper ores, their chemical compositions, and the economic considerations in mining. Understand the hydrothermal processes and market values associated with these valuable resources.

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