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Economic Geology and Energy Flashcards

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  1. In mining, 'stripping ratio' refers to:

    Answer: The volume or tonnage of waste rock removed per unit of ore mined

    Stripping ratio is the amount of overburden or waste rock that must be removed to access one unit of ore, critical for open-pit economics.

  2. Which type of uranium deposit is the world's highest-grade and forms at the unconformity between Proterozoic basement and overlying sandstone?

    Answer: Unconformity-related deposit

    Unconformity-related uranium deposits (e.g., Athabasca Basin, Canada) occur at redox interfaces at the unconformity and are the world's richest uranium ores.

  3. The 'oil window' in petroleum geology typically corresponds to what range of vitrinite reflectance values?

    Answer: 0.6–1.3% Ro

    The oil window (peak oil generation) generally occurs between 0.6% and 1.3% Ro, with wet gas and condensate forming above ~1.0% Ro.

  4. Geothermal energy resources are BEST developed in areas characterized by:

    Answer: High heat flow, volcanic activity, or proximity to tectonic plate margins

    Geothermal resources require elevated crustal heat flow, typically associated with volcanic arcs, rift zones, or hot spots.

  5. Which geologic formation is the primary source rock for the Permian Basin's prolific oil production?

    Answer: Wolfcamp Shale

    The Wolfcamp Shale (Permian) is the primary source and tight-oil reservoir in the Permian Basin, making it one of the most productive plays in the US.

  6. A 'roll-front' uranium deposit in sandstone forms due to:

    Answer: Redox interface where oxidizing uranium-bearing groundwater meets reducing conditions

    Roll-front deposits form at the interface between oxidized (uranium-mobile) and reduced groundwater where uranium precipitates as uraninite.

  7. The 'proved reserves' category in petroleum resource classification requires that the deposit be:

    Answer: Recoverable with reasonable certainty (≥90% probability) under existing economic and operating conditions

    Proved reserves (1P) have at least 90% probability of recovery under current economic and technical conditions, typically requiring well control.