Essential Concepts: Energy, Earth Science, and Digital Systems
Understanding Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are combustion materials formed from ancient plants and other living organisms that existed on Earth. These include various types of coal, oil, and natural gas, which are processed into different products.
Nuclear Power: Fission and Fusion
Nuclear power is generated by either breaking atomic nuclei (nuclear fission reactions) or combining atomic nuclei (nuclear fusion reactions).
- Fission: The process of breaking a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei.
- Fusion:
Particle Characterization in Mineral Processing
Particle Properties in Mineral Processing
At the heart of mineral processing unit operations are particles of various sizes and mineralogical compositions. These particles are the only physically separate entities in a particulate material, with minerals locked within them. The behaviour of particles in a processing stage is governed by their relevant properties. Therefore, the evaluation of particle properties is a vital aspect of mineral processing.
Key Particle Properties for Mineral Processing
Some
Read MoreUnderstanding Earth’s Dynamic Processes: Layers, Heat, and Plate Tectonics
Understanding Earth’s Dynamic Processes
Introduction to Earth Science
- When earthquakes occur, they produce seismic waves.
- The three main layers of Earth are the crust, the mantle, and the core. These layers vary greatly in size, composition, temperature, and pressure.
Pressure: Is a force pressing on an area.
Earth’s Layers
The Crust
- Your journey to the center of Earth begins in the crust. The crust is the layer of rock that forms Earth’s outer skin. It is a layer of solid rock that includes both dry land
Understanding Sustainable and Conventional Energy Sources
Renewable and Non-Conventional Energy Sources
The increasing energy demands have compelled countries worldwide to consider an energy policy and explore the possibility of an energy system with minimal environmental impact. Coal and oil deposits are finite. The energy crisis highlights the need for sustainable energy development, urging replacement with non-polluting renewable sources and conservation. Efforts are being made to develop new sources of energy. These are called renewable sources of energy
Read MoreEarth’s Dynamic Systems: Ecosystems and Tectonics
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a natural system in which the life cycles of flora and fauna are closely related to each other.
Non-Living Environment
The non-living environment includes:
- Water
- Air
- Solar energy
- Rocks
- Soils
Living Environment
The living environment includes:
- Plants
- Animals
- Insects
- Microorganisms
- People
Energy Flow
Each ecosystem is sustained by the flow of energy through it. The main source of energy is sunlight, which is absorbed by green plants and converted through the process of photosynthesis.
Nutrient
Read MorePlanetary Science: Mars, Jupiter, and Outer Moons
Mars: Atmosphere, Water, and Polar Caps
Current Martian Atmosphere and Past Evidence
Describe the current atmosphere on Mars. What evidence suggests that it must have been different in the past?
- The atmosphere is thin, 0.7% of Earth’s, and is composed of 95% CO2.
Evidence of Water on Mars
What evidence do we have that there was running (liquid) water on Mars in the past? What evidence is there for water coming out of the ground even today?
- The ice caps and the subsurface of Mars have significant amounts