Ch. 12

Question 1

is the scientific study of the Earth’s physical structure

Answer 1

Geology

Question 2

scientists who study geology.

Answer 2

Geologists

Question 3

relating to the geology of the Earth.

Answer 3

Geologic

Question 4

cause erosion

Answer 4

water and wind

Question 5

is the process of wearing away rocks physically, biologically, or
chemically

Answer 5

Weathering

Question 6

rock formed by an accumulation of many small pieces

Answer 6

sedimentary rock

Question 7

rock formed when magma cools and solidifies

Answer 7

igneous rock

Question 8

a preexisting rock transformed when subjected to heat and
pressure

Answer 8

metamorphic rock

Question 9

Because sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks may be
transformed into other types of rock, they are components of the _______.

Answer 9

rock cycle

Question 10

A mineral is also an example of a ________ because it is bought and
sold.

Answer 10

commodity

Question 11

______ gold, platinum, silver, and others—are shiny, malleable, good
conductors of electricity and heat, and ductile, meaning when reshaped
they do not lose strength or break.

Answer 11

Metals

Question 12

______ that access metallic and
nonmetallic ore deposits at or relatively close to the surface

Answer 12

surface mines

Question 13

that reach geologic deposits deeper in the ground.

Answer 13

subsurface mines

Question 14

Larger equipment is used in surface mining to bulldoze trees, soil, and
the top layers ______ of Earth in order to expose the ore.

Answer 14

(the overburden)

Question 15

is a type of surface mining undertaken when the targeted ore is
near the surface and the overburden is removed in strips, creating a long ditch

Answer 15

Strip mining

Question 16

is the most common type of surface mining

Answer 16

open-pit mining

Question 17

is another form of surface mining used to find and remove
precious metals (such as gold) and gemstones from loose deposits of sand and
other materials.

Answer 17

Placer mining

Question 18

ore waste from mines

Answer 18

mine tailings

Question 19

acidic solution draining from a mine; often contains heavy
metals

Answer 19

acid mine drainage

Question 20

is the
primary act of legislation overseeing sustainable methods to treat,
store, transport, and dispose of hazardous solid wastes generated from
industrial, commercial, domestic, and other activities, including mining.

Answer 20

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Question 21

known as Superfund, in
1980 has also helped to fund restoration efforts in hazardous waste
areas.

Answer 21

Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Question 22

are capable of manifesting in violent events
(earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides) that are
dangerous to life.

Answer 22

Geologic processes

Question 23

are vents in the ground from which lava, rocks, and ash are
sometimes spewed great distances

Answer 23

Volcanoes

Question 24

are vents in the ground from which lava, rocks, and ash are
sometimes spewed great distances.

Answer 24

Volcanoes

Question 25

is the mass movement of rock, organic matter, and soil down a slope

Answer 25

Landslides