ASBOG Economic Geology and Energy 4

Question 1

In mining, 'stripping ratio' refers to:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Unconformity-related deposit

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

0.6–1.3% Ro

Answer

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.

Question 4

Geothermal energy resources are BEST developed in areas characterized by:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Wolfcamp Shale

Answer

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.

ASBOG - Association of State Boards of Geology Practice Test

ASBOG - Association of State Boards of Geology Practice Test

ASBOG Economic Geology and Energy 4