Rock types and formation
This rock forms when sediments are compacted and cemented.
Sedimentary rock – formed by deposition, compaction, and cementation.
Mining method used when the deposit is near the surface.
Surface mining (open-pit/open-cast).
Two gases that cause acid rain.
SO₂ and NOx from burning coal/industry.
What happens when oil coats bird feathers?
Loss of insulation → hypothermia/drowning.
One renewable energy source
Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, HEP
Name the process that turns magma into igneous rock.
Cooling & solidification of molten rock.
What is overburden?
Waste rock/soil removed to reach the mineral.
Removing vegetation causes this impact.
Habitat loss + loss of food/shelter for animals.
Why does oil reduce phytoplankton?
Blocks sunlight → no photosynthesis.
Why are renewables environmentally friendly?
Do not release CO₂ or toxic gases.
Which rock type forms fossils, and why?
Sedimentary – layers trap remains of organisms.
Name one method of locating mineral deposits.
Remote sensing, seismic surveys, prospecting, geochemical analysis.
Explain how acidic water forms.
Rainwater dissolves chemical salts in spoil → acidic water.
Impact of oil on coral reefs.
No light/oxygen → coral death.
One drawback of wind/solar energy
Weather-dependent; visual pollution.
What changes sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?
Heat and pressure deep underground.
Why is deep mining more expensive?
Needs machinery for ventilation, strong supports, higher safety costs.
Explain two reasons why global energy demand is increasing.
Population growth, urbanisation, rising living standards.
One method to reduce oil spill damage.
Double-hulled tankers; booms & skimmers; dispersants.
How does insulation reduce energy consumption?
Less heat loss → less heating → saves energy.
Explain how the rock cycle links all 3 rock types.
Weathering → sedimentary; heat/pressure → metamorphic; melting + cooling → igneous.
Explain what makes a mineral deposit economically viable.
Ore grade, accessibility, stripping ratio, distance to transport, price/demand.
One environmental impact of nuclear energy.
Radioactive waste OR thermal pollution.
Explain how oil spills disrupt the marine food web.
Less phytoplankton → fish die → mammals & birds starve.
Two environmental impacts of dams.
Flood land (habitat loss) + block river flow.