Tectonic Plates
The dense large plates in the ocean
What is an oceanic plate
The radioactivity of a specified isotope to fall to half of its original value
What is half life
The material that covers or lies above something of interest
What is overburden
This comes from the combustion of coal and is found in old paint. It also impacts the nervous system and your brain
What is lead
A cheap abundant energy dense source which releases heavy metals and is very dirty
What is coal
A layer between the crust and the core which has the properties of a solid which flows
What is the mantle
When an unstable atomic nucleus looses energy by radiation
What is radioactive decay
Coming from sulfide minerals it turns that water and air acidic
What is acid mine drain
This comes from fossil fuels and young carbon and is a respiratory irritant
What is nitrogen oxide
Convienient to transport and mine. but causes __ spills
What is oil
The movement of fluid or gas caused by differences in temperature
What is a convection current
The rule stating that layers on the top are younger
What is the law of superstition
The process of restoring land after mining to a usable state
What is reclamation
Comes from the combustion of fossil fuels, fires, and agriculture. It is bad for your eyes and lungs
What is particulate matter
Cleanest of the fossil fuels but is a green house gas
What is methane
A spot where two plates slide against each other horizontally
What is a transform boundary
The ability of a substance to allow liquids to go through it.
What is permeability
A surface mining technique that involves removing layers of soil and rock to extract minerals
What is strip mining
Comes from coal and gold mining impairs your nervous system and learning abilities
What is mercury
The extraction of natural gas by sending water through pipes in the ground
What is fracking
The large layer including the crust and the upper part of the mantle
What is the lithosphere
The process of rocks breaking down
What is weathering
Regulates active coal mines and reclaims old coal mines
What is the surface mining control and reclamation act of 1977
Suffocates you by attacking the red blood cells in your body.
What is carbon monoxide
Absorbs heat into a house with no energy but only works in certain climates
What is passive solar