Chapter 6: Earth’s Natural Resources

Sections in this Chapter

Chapter Challenge
Section 1: Electricity and Your Community
Section 2: Energy From Coal
Section 3: Energy From Petroleum and Natural Gas
Section 4: Environmental Impacts and Energy Consumption
Section 5: Renewable Energy Sources - Solar and Wind
Section 6: Earth’s Mineral Resources
Section 7: The Costs and Benefits of Mining Minerals
Section 8: Water Supplies
Section 9: Using and Conserving Water
Section 10: Water Pollution and Treatment

Chapter Challenge

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Chapter 6: Chapter Challenge.

Uses and Consumption Rates of Natural Resources

State Electricity Profiles, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Lists state electricity profiles for all 50 states.

Mineral Commodity Summaries, USGS
Click on the year to learn about the supply and demand of mineral resources, including those for specific states.

Safe Drinking Water Act: Consumer Confidence Reports, EPA
Click on “Find Your Local CCR” and your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state’s drinking water and links to additional information. To view your water quality report, click on the “CCR Website” link to view a list of reports that are available online.

Water Use Data, USGS
Select the latest publication data for counties option. Go to the “Data Release” section of the page and select the option for accessing county-level data. Select the “All Data” file link. This will load water use data in a spreadsheet format. Identify the “Data Dictionary” tab first, as it explains the codes used for each data category. Next, locate your state and selected counties on the data tab.

Difference between Renewable and Nonrenewable Natural Resources

Energy Resources, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Describes renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.

Formation, Discovery, and Production of Natural Resources

How is Coal Formed?, Kentucky Geological Survey
Explains the processes associated with the formation of coal.

Coal Mining, World Coal Association
Describes underground and surface mining methods.

Petroleum - Its Origin, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Reviews how hydrocarbon deposits (including oil and gas) form.

Natural Gas, Natural Gas Information and Educational Resources
Reviews how natural gas deposits form and also how geologists search for and discover these deposits.

Fossil Energy Study Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines how oil is recovered from the Earth.

Mining Volcanic Environments, AZO Mining
Reviews the formation of metallic mineral deposits during volcanic activity.

How New Nickel-Copper Sulfide Deposits Were Located in the Lake Superior Region, USGS
Reviews how Ni-Cu deposits are formed, why they are important, and how scientists are evaluating the potential usefulness of the deposits in the Lake Superior Region.

Mining Methods, Kansas Geological Survey
Examines mining methods, including surface and underground.

Natural Processes of Groundwater and Surface water Interaction: The Hydrologic Cycle and Interactions of Ground Water and Surface Water, USGS
Reviews the basics of the water cycle, with a focus on the movement of water between and within ground and surface water reservoirs. Includes several full color illustrations.

The Basics, Groundwater Foundation
Provides information and images to review groundwater as a resource, pollution threats to groundwater, and steps that can be taken to protect groundwater supplies.

Water on Tap: What You Need to Know, EPA
Provides information on a variety of topics related to drinking water, including the quality of drinking water in the U.S., where water comes from, how much drinking water is used in the typical home, the future of water resources in the U.S., and steps that can be taken to protect the nation’s drinking water.

Natural Resources Production and Consumption and Effects on the Environment

Acid Rain, EPA
Looks at the causes, effects, and efforts to reduce acid rain.

Global Carbon, Woods Hole Research Center
Reviews the basics of the global carbon cycle and how fossil fuels are linked to the cycle.

Climate Change, NASA
Explains climate change, which has been linked to emissions of greenhouse gases (including CO₂).

Effects of Oil Pollution on Marine Wildlife, NOAA
Considers the environmental impacts of spilled oil on coastal habitats.

Mining Impacts, Earthworks
Summary of the environmental impacts of mining.

Acid Mine Drainage, Virginia Tech
Examines the causes and effects of acid mine drainage as well as methods for treating acid mine drainage.

Effects of Human Activities on the Interaction of Groundwater and Surface Water, USGS
Reviews the effects agricultural development, urban and industrial development, drainage of the land surface, modifications to river valleys, and modifications to the atmosphere have on groundwater and surface water, including pollution and disturbance of flow paths. Site includes several color images. Includes links to case studies on the effects of irrigation, nitrate contamination, pesticide application, the increase of water levels in surface reservoirs, vegetation removal, and acid rain on water reservoirs.

Ground Water Studies, USGS
Contains a review of the threats to our nation’s water supply and the steps the USGS is taking to minimize the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by human activities on groundwater supplies.

Drinking Water Regulations, EPA
Provides a table that outlines the EPA’s standards for safe drinking water, defining levels of contaminants and listing possible sources of these contaminants.

Considerations to Change Human Use of Natural Resources

Energy Saver Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
Provides tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. Includes information on energy-saving, efficient technologies and tips for using clean, renewable energy to power a home.

Water Conservation Methods, Snohomish County PUD
Explores energy-saving ideas for conserving energy at home.

10 Energy Saving Tips, Architect of the Capitol
Suggests measures for conserving energy.

Solar Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Reviews the technologies and ways in which solar energy can be converted into electricity.

Solar for Everyone, U.S. Department of Energy
Explains how solar heating works, including descriptions of different types of solar collectors. Also discusses why solar energy is an important resource. Includes directions for making a solar air heater and a glossary of relevant terms.

How do Photovoltaics Work?, NASA
Explains how photovoltaic technology has evolved, how it works, and where the technologies are typically applied.

Wind Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at how electricity is generated from wind.

WaterSense, EPA
Discusses water conservation practices for residential, industrial/commercial, and agricultural users. Addresses conservation issues and costs associated with dealing with these issues.

Citizen’s Guide to Groundwater Protection, EPA
Provides information and suggestions for ways that the community can become involved in the protection of groundwater sources.

Section 1: Electricity and Your Community

Learning Outcomes

Analyze and interpret data to determine global trends in energy sources used to generate electricity.
Analyze and interpret data to determine the major energy sources used to produce electricity in your state.
Obtain and evaluate information about the advantages and disadvantages of energy sources used to generate electricity.

Part B: Investigating Electricity Generation in Your State

To visit the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration Web page and to obtain your state electricity profile, visit the following web site:

State Electricity Profiles, U.S. Energy Information Administration Lists state electricity profiles for all 50 states.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about storage of solar energy, visit the following web sites:

Solar Energy Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy
Describes solar energy technologies that provide electricity for homes, businesses, remote power needs, and for contribution to the electric power system.

Battery Power for Your Residential Solar Electric System, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines types of batteries that can be used for residential solar electric systems. To learn more about energy from the oceans, visit the following web sites:

Ocean Energy Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines technologies for capturing ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), tidal energy, and wave energy.

Ocean Energy, European Ocean Energy Association
Reviews the basics of ocean energy, including wave energy, tidal energy, current energy, salinity power, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Includes how they work and the advantages and disadvantages of using the oceans as an energy resource.

Ocean Wave Power, European Commission
Explains the complexities of wave energy systems. To learn more about other methods of generating electricity, visit the following web sites:

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at photovoltaic materials and devices and how they convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS), EU Science Hub
Describes photovoltaic technology and photovoltaics as an industry.

Geothermal

Geothermal Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines geothermal technologies and how geothermal energy can be converted into electricity.

Geothermal Power, European Commission
Overview of how geothermal energy is created and the geothermal energy sector.

Geothermal Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of geothermal heat as an energy resource.

Solar Thermal

Solar Heating and Cooling, European Commission
Describes solar-thermal systems, including technology and the potential for the solar-thermal industry.

Thermal Storage Systems for Concentrating Solar Power, U.S. Department of Energy
Provides descriptions of thermal energy storage technologies.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Generating Electric Energy

Electricity Supply and Demand, U.S. Department of Energy
Reviews the current issues facing electricity generation in the United States and explains how industry deals with these issues.

Electric Power Industry Overview, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Contains links to pages that give information on various aspects of the electric power industry.

Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Energy

Coal – Fossil Energy Study Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
Explains how coal is used and how fossil fuels are formed.

Nuclear Fuel Facts, U.S. Department of Energy
Explains the nuclear fuel cycle and includes several facts about uranium and its use as a source of nuclear power.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydropower Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of water as an energy resource, including its benefits and historical use.

Hydropower Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy
Provides background information on hydroelectric power, including the history of its use, how it works, and the different types of hydropower plants.

Other Resources Used to Generate Electricity

Biomass, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of biomass as an energy resource.

Wind Energy Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of wind as an energy resource.

Geothermal Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of geothermal heat as an energy resource.

Solar Energy Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy
Introduces the use of the Sun as an energy resource.

Marine Renewable Energy, European Commission
Reviews the basics of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and wave power plants, including how they work and the advantages and disadvantages of using the oceans as an energy resource. Includes illustrations of the different type of ocean-powered plants.

Section 2: Energy From Coal

Learning Outcomes

Carry out an investigation that determines the physical properties of different coal samples.
Analyze and interpret data on a map to explain the distribution of coal resources and coal-fired power plants across the United States.
Analyze and interpret data to explain trends in coal production and consumption in the United States.
Obtain and evaluate information about practices to conserve energy resources.

Investigate Energy Conservation

To learn about ways to conserve energy resources, visit the following web sites:

Energy Saver Guide - Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home, U.S. Department of Energy
Provides tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. Includes information on energy-saving, efficient technologies and tips for using clean, renewable energy to power a home.

10 Energy Saving Tips, Architect of the Capitol
Suggests measures for conserving energy.

Energy Star at Home Tips, Energy Star
Overview of the different ways that energy is used in a home and tips for saving energy with energy efficient products.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about electricity usage in other countries, visit the following web sites:

International Electricity Information, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Provides energy statistics for all countries, including electricity usage.

The International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, ACEEE
Ranks the world’s largest economies according to energy efficiency policies and programs.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

The Formation of Coal

The Geology of Coal, Kentucky Educational Television
Contains a brief overview of how coal is formed.

How is Coal Formed?, Kentucky Geological Survey
Explains the processes associated with the formation of coal.

What’s in Coal?, Kentucky Geological Survey
Explains how sedimentary rocks that form coal reflect the environments in which they were originally deposited.

Types of Coal

Coal Rank, Kentucky Geological Survey
Explains how coal “rank” is determined and defines the different types of coal.

Coal Resource Classification System of the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey
Explains how the USGS classifies and tracks coal resources in the United States, including rank of coal, thickness of beds, and distribution.

Coal Exploration and Mining

Coal Mining, World Coal Association
Reviews surface and underground mining methods used to remove coal from the ground.

Coal Resource Recoverability, U.S. Geological Survey
Reviews the factors associated with coal production, including mining, cleaning, recoveries, etc. Includes tables and figures to illustrate concepts and examples.

U.S. Coal Supply and Demand, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Discusses annual coal supply and demand, production by region, consumption and stocks at the consuming sector level, imports and exports, and average delivered coal prices.

Section 3: Energy From Petroleum and Natural Gas

Learning Outcomes

Plan and carry out an investigation of the porosity of various kinds of sediment.
Carry out an investigation of the permeability of various kinds of sediment.
Analyze and interpret data to explain trends in oil production and consumption in the United States.
Analyze and interpret data on a map to explain the distribution of oil and natural gas resources across the United States.

Investigate

To examine petroleum data from 1954 to 2008, visit the following web sites:

Total United States Wells

Crude Oil Production and Crude Oil Well Productivity, U.S. Energy Information Administration

United States Total Production

Petroleum Overview, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Total Foreign Imports

Petroleum Imports, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Spreadsheet Data

Petroleum, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Inquiring Further

To learn more about the top oil and gas fields in the United States, visit the following web sites:

Top 100 Oil and Gas Fields, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Summary data for the top 100 oil and gas fields of.

Top 100 US Oil & Gas Fields By Proved Reserves, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Map of the U.S. showing the top 100 oil and gas fields.

Alaska

Background: Prudhoe Bay Oil and Gas Discovery and Development, Alaska DEC
Background information on the oil fields at Prudhoe Bay.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Development in the Arctic Coastal Plain, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview of the oil and gas fields of the Arctic National Wildlife Range. Includes description of oil and gas fields of Prudhoe Bay.

California

Midway-Sunset Oil Field, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Background information on the Midway-Sunset oil field.

Elk Hills Oil Field, NASA JPL
Overview of the Elk Hills Oil Field.

Elk Hills Oil Field, NASA Earth Observatory
Overview of the Elk Hills Oil Field.

Beldridge South Oil Field, American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Overview of the Belridge South Oil Field.

Texas

Wasson Field, Texas State Historical Association
Overview of the Wasson Oil Field.

Yates Oilfield, Texas State Historical Association
Overview of the Yates Oil Field.

Slaughter Field, Texas State Historical Association
Overview of the Slaughter Oil Field.

Colorado

Wattenberg Field, American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Location of the Wattenberg field. To learn more about drilling technologies that minimize environmental impacts, visit the following web site:

Waste Minimization in Drilling Operations, Railroad Commission of Texas
Examines oil and gas drilling methods, such as slimhole drilling, directional drilling, and the use of less water for drilling purposes. To learn more about careers in the petroleum industry, visit the following web sites:

Profiles of Geoscientists, American Geosciences Institute
Provides biographies of distinguished geoscience professionals in the oil and gas industry.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

The Nature and Origin of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Petroleum - Its Origin, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Reviews how hydrocarbon deposits (including oil and gas) form.

Natural Gas, Natural Gas Information and Educational Resources
Reviews how natural gas deposits form and also how geologists search for and discover these deposits.

The Formation of Fossil Fuels, Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network
Video that provides an overview of the formation of fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal.

Porosity and Permeability

Aquifers, USGS
Reviews the basics of how fluids move through rocks.

Recovery of Petroleum

Fossil Energy Study Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines how oil is recovered from the Earth.

The History of Oil Production in the United States

An Index to Early Petroleum History Sites, Little-Mountain.com
Contains a list of links for more information on petroleum history.

History of WV Mineral Industries - Oil and Gas, West Virginia Geological Survey
History of the oil industry in West Virginia.

History of Oil and Gas Production in Illinois, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
History of oil and gas production in Illinois.

United States Petroleum Production and Reserves

National Oil and Gas Assessment, USGS
Information on the USGS Energy Resources Program and how it provides periodic assessments of the oil and natural gas reserves of the U.S.

Economics and the 1995 National Assessment of U.S. Oil and Gas Resources, USGS
Reviews the status and location of United States onshore and offshore oil and gas resources as of 1995. Includes information about known oil and gas fields, as well as estimates of undiscovered reserves and the costs and methods associated with finding these reserves.

A Summary of the U.S. Geological Survey 1995 National Assessment of Oil and Gas Resources, USGS
Summarizes the findings of the 1995 National Assessment of Oil and Gas Resources, with a focus on undiscovered reserves.

Section 4: Environmental Impacts and Energy Consumption

Learning Outcomes

Analyze and interpret data on a map to explain patterns in the acidity of rainfall across the United States.
Carry out an investigation of the ability of different rock types to neutralize acid rain.
Analyze data to determine the extent of oil spilled accidentally into the environment.
Obtain and evaluate information about the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels to produce energy.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about the methods used to clean up oil spills, visit the following web sites:

Oil Spill Response Techniques, EPA
Examines techniques for controlling oil spills and minimizing their impacts.

How do Spills Happen?, NOAA
Describes the kinds of tools that can be used to clean up spilled oil. To learn more about acid rain and acid mine drainage, visit the following web sites:

How Does Acid Rain Affect Humans and the Environment?, Dynamic Earth Learning
Video on the effects of acid rain on populations and ecosystems.

Acid Mine Drainage, Maryland Department of the Environment
Looks at the consequences of acid mine drainage and treatment systems that can be put in place.

Acid Mine Drainage, Virginia Tech
Examines the causes and effects of acid mine drainage as well as methods for treating acid mine drainage.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Fossil Fuels and the Carbon Cycle:

Global Carbon, Woodwell Climate Research Center
Reviews the basics of the global carbon cycle and how fossil fuels are linked to the cycle.

Climate Change, NASA
Explains climate change, which has been linked to emissions of greenhouse gases (including CO2).

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, EPA
Explains what greenhouse gases are and how the greenhouse effect works.

Coal and Acid Rain

Acid Rain Program Results, EPA
Show how pollutant levels have changed over time, affecting the formation of acid rain across the U.S.

Acid Rain, EPA
Looks at the causes, effects, and efforts to reduce acid rain.

Oil Spills and the Environment

How can a spill affect your community?, NOAA
Examines some of the ways that oil spills affect wildlife and their habitats.

Effects of Oil Pollution on Marine Wildlife, EPA
Considers the environmental impacts of spilled oil on coastal habitats.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Resources

Coal Resources in Environmentally-sensitive Lands Under Federal Management, USGS
Presents estimates of coal-bearing acreage and coal tonnage in environmentally-sensitive areas and explains how these areas are dealt with.

Coal-Bed Methane: Potential and Concerns, USGS
Reviews the potential use of methane as an energy source, as well as some of the problems associated with its use.

Section 5: Renewable Energy Sources - Solar and Wind

Learning Outcomes

Carry out an investigation of a solar heating system.
Carry out an investigation of wind power.
Analyze data to explain trends in solar and wind energy consumption in the United States.
Obtain and evaluate information about the advantages and disadvantages of solar and wind energy resources.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about solar-thermal electricity generation, visit the following web sites:

Concentrating Solar Power, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines the technologies that are used to concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect solar energy and convert it to heat. This thermal energy can then be used to produce electricity.

Solar Parabolic Trough, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Looks at the history of Luz International and its attempts to build solar thermal power plants.

Solar Explained, U.S. EIA
Considers the ways in which solar energy can be used as a natural resource. To learn more about photovoltaic electricity, visit the following web sites:

How do Photovoltaics Work?, NASA
Explains how photovoltaic technology has evolved, how it works, and where the technologies are typically applied.

Photovoltaics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at how photovoltaic materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. To learn more about the history of wind energy or solar energy, visit the following web sites:

Illustrated History of Wind Power Development, TelosNet
Examines the historical development of wind power.

History of Wind Power, U.S. EIA
Looks at the history of wind energy use.

History of Wind Power,* U.S. Department of Energy*
Looks at the historical uses of wind energy.

History Of Solar Power, U.S. Department of Energy
Reviews the development of solar power over time. To learn more about wind farms, visit the following web site:

Wind Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at how electricity is generated from wind.

How Wind Turbines Work, U.S. Department of Energy
Examines how wind turbines make electricity.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Solar Heating

Solar Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Reviews the technologies and ways in which solar energy can be converted into electricity.

Solar For Everyone, U.S. Department of Energy
Explains how solar heating works, including descriptions of different types of solar collectors. Also discusses why solar energy is an important resource. Includes directions for making a solar air heater and a glossary of relevant terms.

Photovoltaics

How do Photovoltaics Work?, NASA
Explains how photovoltaic technology has evolved, how it works, and where the technologies are typically applied.

Solar Photovoltaic Cell Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at how photovoltaic materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Wind Power

Wind Basics, U.S. Department of Energy
Looks at how electricity is generated from wind.

Overview of Wind Energy in California, California Energy Commission
Gives an overview of wind energy.

Section 6: Earth’s Mineral Resources

Learning Outcomes

Analyze and interpret data on a map to explain the distribution of several mineral resource commodities across the United States.
Use a model to demonstrate techniques for exploring and locating ore deposits.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about the Hall process, visit the following web sites:

Energy Needed to Produce Aluminum, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Describes the technologies and processes used to produce aluminum from aluminum ore.

Paul Héroult and Charles M. Hall, Chemical Heritage Foundation
Looks at the role that Paul Héroult and Charles M. Hall played in making aluminum commercially available.

Aluminum, The Essential Chemical Industry
Aluminum production, including the role that Charles Martin Hall played in the manufacture of aluminum. To learn more about mineral supply and demand, visit the following web sites:

Monitoring Cyclical Changes in U.S. Metals Activity, USGS
Explains how fluctuations in the economy can affect the metals activity of the U.S.

Mineral Commodity Summaries, USGS
Click on the year and mineral commodity of interest to learn about the worldwide supply and demand of that resource.

Metal Industry Indicators, USGS
Online monthly newsletter that analyzes and forecasts the economic health of five metal industries: primary metals, steel, copper, primary aluminum, and aluminum mill products. To learn more about mineral deposits and survey maps , visit the following web sites:

Providing Comprehensive Earth Science for Complex Societal Issues, USGS
Explains the approaches and information scientists consider when explaining natural phenomena. Includes a section on mineral deposit studies and mineral and energy resource studies.

Alaska Geology and Mineral Resources, USGS, Alaska Science Center
Describes the work of mineral-resource scientists and how they provide information about mineral assessments.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Mineral Resources on Earth

Volcanic Minerals, Volcano World
Contains information and images pertaining to volcanic mineral deposits, including bauxite (aluminum), diamonds, gold, nickel, and more.

Introduction to Volcanic Environments, AZO Mining
Discusses the formation of metallic mineral deposits during volcanic activity.

Mineral Resource Assessment, USGS
Reviews how Ni-Cu deposits are formed, why they are important, and how scientists are evaluating the potential usefulness of the deposits in the Lake Superior Region.

The 1996 Estimate of Undiscovered Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc Remaining in the United States, USGS
Provides estimates of remaining deposits that contain gold, silver, copper, lead, or zinc.

Minerals America’s Strength, National Mining Association
Interesting facts about minerals and mining in the United States.

Minerals - Commodity Statistics and Information, USGS
Click on the mineral commodity of interest to learn more about its use and recovery.

Mapping

Introduction to Geologic Mapping, USGS
Examines the methods for creating geologic maps and the data they represent.

Geologic Maps from the Mineral Resources Program, USGS
Overview of what geologic maps are and why they are important to geologists. Also gives a brief introduction to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.

Remote Sensing in the USGS Mineral Resource Surveys Program in the Eastern United States, USGS
Uses a case study to illustrate how the modern techniques of remote sensing (aerial images) are helping geologists to locate potential mineral deposits.

Geochemistry

Carolina Slate Belt Gold Deposits in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, USGS
Presents the steps that geoscientists follow to assess mineral deposits.

Stable Isotopes and Mineral Resource Investigations in the United States, USGS
Explains how analyses of the elements oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon can be used to help in locating copper, lead, and zinc, gold, and silver deposits. Presents case studies in the eastern U.S.

Geophysics

Western Mineral and Environmental Resources, USGS
Provides bedrock and surficial surveys, geophysical research, and mineral resource studies that are ongoing in the Western U.S. Includes color samples of maps.

Section 7: The Costs and Benefits of Mining Minerals

Learning Outcomes

Use a model to demonstrate techniques for mining ore deposits.
Analyze and interpret data to explain trends in the mining industry.
Evaluate design solutions for mining mineral resources based on time, cost, and environmental concerns.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about mineral resources and state revenue, visit the following web sites:

Monitoring Cyclical Changes in U.S. Metals Activity, USGS
Explains how fluctuations in the economy can affect the metals activity of the U.S.

Mineral Commodity Summaries, USGS
Click on the year to learn about the supply and demand of mineral resources, including those for specific states. To learn more about the environmental impacts of mining, visit the following web sites:

Mining Impacts, Earthworks
Summary of the environmental impacts of mining.

The USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative: Protecting and Restoring the Environment Near Abandoned Mine Lands, USGS
Describes efforts to clean up Federal lands contaminated by abandoned mines.

Studies of Suction Dredge Gold-Placer Mining Operations Along the Fortymile River, Eastern Alaska 100, USGS
Looks at the environmental concerns associated with the mining activities along the Fortymile River. To learn more about sources of minerals, visit the following web sites:

What are Minerals Used for?, Utah Geologic Survey
Description of minerals and their common uses and applications.

Minerals and Their Uses, ScienceViews.com
Provides a list of minerals and their common uses and applications.

Mineral Commodity Profiles, USGS
Provides a list of minerals and their common uses and applications.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Mining

Mineral Extraction, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Examines minerals, how they are mined and processed, and the mining industry.

Is Current Mining Yield Sustainable?, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Describes the mining process, including finding a deposit, establishing a mine, mining, and purification.

Mining Methods, Kansas Geological Survey
Examines mining methods, including surface and underground.

Mining, Metals, Minerals: Introduction, Michigan State University
Looks at the factors that determine when and how to mine minerals.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Safety & Health Topics, Mine Safety and Health Administration
Comprehensive list of tips and suggestions for preventing accidents in mining operations.

Section 8: Water Supplies

Learning Outcomes

Use a model to explain how surface-water reservoirs respond to increases and decreases in precipitation and outflow.
Use a model to explain the effect of increased supply and withdrawal on the flow of groundwater.
Obtain and evaluate information from your community’s water quality report to understand the water-supply system in your community.

Investigate

For more information about the water supply in your community, visit the following web site:

Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA
Click on “Find Your Local CCR” and your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state’s drinking water and links to additional information. To view your water quality report, click on the “CCR Website” link to view a list of reports that are available online.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about the first American reservoirs and groundwater systems, visit the following web sites:

History of Colorado Water, The Water Information Program
Examines the history of the planning, construction, and implementation of numerous water diversion and storage projects in the Western United States. To learn more about water supplies in desert cities, visit the following web sites:

Gambling with water in the desert, USGS
Looks at water use and supply in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Active Management Area Overview, Arizona Department of Water Resources
Overview of the water supply system for Phoenix, Arizona. To learn more about rainfall in countries around the world, visit the following web sites:

Precipitation: Country Rankings, The Global Economy
Provides precipitation data for location around the world.

WorldClimate, worldclimate.com
Examine climate data for locations throughout the world.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Surface Water

Introduction to the Clean Water Act, EPA
Reviews the Clean Water Act and threats to the nation’s surface water reservoirs. Also includes a FAQ section with advice on finding more information.

Groundwater

Hydrogeology, EPA
Introduces concepts of hydrogeology, which involves the study of water below the Earth’s surface. Click on links to find more information and images on what groundwater is, what an aquifer is, how water moves underground, and more.

Ground Water Atlas of the United States, USGS
Click on your region of the map to open a new window that will contain links to a summary of groundwater in the area and information about each of the primary aquifers in that region.

Desalination

Thirsty? How ‘bout a cool, refreshing cup of seawater?, USGS
Reviews the basics of the desalination process and how desalination can be used as a water resource.

Why Don’t We Get Our Drinking Water from the Ocean?, European Commission
Looks at the costs and energy demands of desalination processes.

Natural Fluctuations in Water Resources

Challenges and Opportunities, USGS
Discusses the issues related to water management and policy, including water supply, water quality, and characteristics of aquatic environments.

Water-Managing a National Resource, USGS
Reviews steps the USGS takes to be efficient in managing the nation’s water supply.

Section 9: Using and Conserving Water

Learning Outcomes

Plan and carry out an investigation of the fresh water used by your school every day.
Analyze and interpret data on water use to explain differences in per-person water use between your county and an adjacent county.
Obtain information about water use and methods of water conservation.

Investigate

To gather data on the water use in your county and for nearby counties, visit the following websites:

Water Use Data Available from the USGS, USGS
Select the latest publication data for counties option. Go to the “Data Release” section of the page and select the option for accessing county-level data. Select the “All Data” file link. This will load water use data in a spreadsheet format. Identify the “Data Dictionary” tab first, as it explains the codes used for each data category. Next, locate your state and selected counties on the data tab.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about water use in the home, visit the following web sites:

Water Consumption Calculator, CSGNetwork.COM
Provides a worksheet for calculating home water use.

Indoor Water Use in the United States, EPA
Pie chart outlines the percentages of water that are used by different activities in the home.

Ground Water and Drinking Water, EPA
Reviews ground water and drinking water usage.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Types of Water Use

How Do We Use Water?, EPA
Reviews how water is used in the United States, including agricultural, industrial, and household usage.

Summary of Estimated Use of Water in the United States, USGS
Examines water withdrawal in the United States.

WaterSense, EPA
Reviews water use in the United States, including overall national trends and use by category (municipal/public supply, domestic and commercial, industrial and mining, agricultural, and thermoelectric power). Addresses conservation issues and costs associated with dealing with these issues.

Consumptive Use and Non-Consumptive Use

Water Use in the United States, USGS
Water use data for the United States.

Water Conservation

What You Can Do to Protect Source Water, EPA
Provides programs that protect the nation’s water supply and suggestions for communities that wish to get involved in water conservation and protection.

Citizen’s Guide to Groundwater Protection, EPA
Provides information and suggestions for ways that the community can become involved in the protection of groundwater sources.

Section 10: Water Pollution and Treatment

Learning Outcomes

Use a model to explain the movement of pollutants in groundwater.
Carry out an investigation of the level of nitrates in a stream within your community.
Use a model that illustrates key processes and stages in water treatment.
Obtain information on the types and effects of various pollutants.

Inquiring Further

To learn more about local water quality, visit the following web sites:

Envirofacts, EPA
Click on “Facility” to research the status of industries in your county.

SDWIS Federal Reports Search, EPA
Click on your state to be taken to a new page that provides information about your state’s public water systems, including violation information for each system. To learn more about pollution from pets , visit the following web sites:

Pet Waste and Water Quality, City of Albuquerque
Looks at the effects of pet waste on water quality.

Pet Waste and Water Quality, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Information on the environmental impact of pet waste. To learn more about thermal pollution, visit the following web site:

How Many Power Plants are there in the US?, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Click on “Power Plants” to download a spreadsheet that lists all of the power plants in the United States. To learn more about the Flint, Michigan water crisis, visit the following web sites:

Timeline of Flint Water Crisis, State of Michigan
Provides background information as well as a timeline for the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

Flint Drinking Water Response, EPA
Information on the response taken by the EPA to solve the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

General Resources

To learn more about each topic, visit the following websites:

Pollution in Surface Water and Groundwater

Arsenic in Groundwater Resources of the United States, USGS
Discusses arsenic concentrations in potable water across the U.S. Includes a map that shows arsenic concentrations in groundwater of the United States.

Ground Water Studies, USGS
Contains a review of the threats to our nation's water supply and the steps the USGS is taking to minimize the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by human activities on groundwater supplies.

National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data, USGS
Contains links that describe the basic techniques of water resource investigations, including water sampling. Click on links to open table of contents for a chapter on the particular technique. One chapter is devoted to preparations for water sampling, including tips on materials to take into the field, tips on field trip responsibilities, and advice on how to select sampling sites. There is also a chapter that reviews the techniques involved in the actual process of collecting water samples.

Drinking Water Contaminants, EPA
Provides a table that outlines the EPA's standards for safe drinking water, defining levels of contaminants and listing possible sources of these contaminants.

San Francisco Bay Program: Lessons Learned for Managing Coastal Water Resources, USGS
Reviews how USGS research helped to gain a greater understanding of how humans and water use in a coastal area affected the ecosystem and steps the USGS has implemented to reduce human impacts in the Bay area.

Water Treatment

Water Treatment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Overview of various methods of water treatment to provide safe drinking water for communities.

Wastewater Treatment, Water Use, USGS
Examines the reasons for treating wastewater.

Contaminant Transport in Massachusetts Bay, USGS
Shows how scientists at the USGS used information about the distribution, severity, and fate of contaminated sediments in the Massachusetts Bay to help in making informed management decisions about multiple uses of a coastal environment, including water treatment issues.