Geologic Resources

Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 46% of its mass.

Solar radiation is the primary source of energy for most geologic processes, such as weathering, erosion, and deposition.

Soil is not a geologic resource because it is not formed from geologic processes. It is formed from the weathering of rocks and minerals and the accumulation of organic matter.

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces by the action of water, wind, ice, and other natural forces.

Erosion is the process by which sediment is transported from one place to another by the action of water, wind, ice, and other natural forces.

Deposition is the process by which sediment is deposited in a new location by the action of water, wind, ice, and other natural forces.

Metamorphism is the process by which rocks are changed from one type to another by the action of heat, pressure, and chemical reactions.

Sedimentary rocks are the most common type of rock in the Earth's crust, making up about 75% of its volume.

Crystallization is the process by which minerals are formed from a solution or melt.

Quartz is the most common type of mineral in the Earth's crust, making up about 12% of its mass.

Diagenesis is the process by which fossil fuels are formed from the remains of plants and animals.

Coal is the most common type of fossil fuel, accounting for about 55% of the world's energy production.

Infiltration is the process by which groundwater is formed when water from the surface seeps into the ground.

Percolation is the process by which water moves through the ground under the force of gravity.

Evaporation is the process by which water returns to the atmosphere from the surface of the Earth.