A geologist collects samples and determines what elements they are made of. This information can explain the history of an area and what types of changes have occurred in the area over many thousands of years. Geologists study mountains and valleys and determine how they were formed. They also try to find useful substances in the Earth’s crust like coal, copper, iron, or oil. The information geologists find is useful for building dams, bridges, roads, and buildings.
Mining is the extraction of useful rocks and minerals from the Earth’s crust. These rocks and minerals contain important elements. Some elements, like copper, iron or aluminum, are used for building, construction, and making tools. Some rocks are used for the energy stored in them, like coal. It is important to realize that all of these rocks and minerals are available in limited quantities on the Earth.
Question
Based on your understanding of energy sources, what type of resource are rocks and minerals?
