Natural Resources and Their Geology

4.1 Natural Resources and their
Geology (8.4.1)
Explore this Phenomenon

One of the main natural resources found in Utah is coal. The black layers in this sedimentary rock are seams of coal.

1. What are your observations about the coal in the rock?

2. What questions do you have about coal?

3. Can you explain how the coal formed?

8.4.1 Natural Resources and their Geology
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence that shows that the uneven distribution of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources is caused by geological processes. Examples of uneven distribution of resources could include Utah's unique geologic history that led to the formation and irregular distribution of natural resources like copper, gold, natural gas, oil shale, silver, and uranium. 

Natural Resources
Natural resources are substances constructed by nature that help to support life on Earth. Humankind is one species in an extensive web which includes the Earth’s resources and all life. Without question, we are a unique species. We have the power to change that web in ways no other species can. We also have the responsibility to use natural resources in ways which sustain the web – both for ourselves and for all
life on the planet.

Distribution of Resources
● Think about all of the natural resources that are found in the United States.
● How many natural resources can you name?
● Are there parts of the US that have more resources than others?
● Coal is a major resource found in the United States but is it found in every
state?
● Why do some states like West Virginia and Utah have abundant coal deposits
while a large state like California has little to none?

Over millions of years, plant material growing in bogs and swamps gets buried, compacted, and altered as organisms die and build up. This is the process that forms coal. Swampy areas don’t occur everywhere. In dry areas coal doesn’t form at all. Because of this you will not find coal everywhere on earth’s surface. Utah and West Virginia have coal because millions of years ago Utah and West Virginia had extensive swamps and bogs. Resources are not equally distributed across the earth. Some areas have access to many varied resources while others have few to none. The distribution of many natural resources depends on the geology of the area. 

Mineral and Fossil Fuel Resources and Geology
The natural resources that our society uses form in very specific environments. The way rocks in an area are formed determines which mineral resources will be found in that location.

Mineral and fossil fuel resources fall into a few main groups.
● Metals: including iron, lead, gold, silver, copper, zinc and others
● Fossil fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas
● Other minerals: gemstones, salt, gypsum, phosphate, etc.
● Building materials: stone for buildings, gravel for roads, asphalt
Water resources are also dependent on the geology of an area. Water will only collect in and flow through certain types of rocks. The table below shows some resources and the geological environments where they are usually found.

A few Definitions:

There are three types of Rock:

Igneous- form when molten rock ( magma or lava) cool

Sedimentary Rock- form in layers when particles settle out of wind or water

Metamorphic Rock- when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure or reactive fluids such as hot mineral laden water

We live in a state with a very diverse geologic history. We have mountains and valleys, flat tablelands, faults and earthquakes, volcanoes, sedimentary rocks that
were deposited in lakes and oceans, and metamorphosed rock. For this reason, Utah has abundant mineral and fossil fuel resources.

Utah has been a major producer of copper and other metals that are associated with volcanic rocks. They are mostly found in the western half of the state. Coal and oil are found in the eastern half of the state. Other resources that have been mined here include uranium, beryllium, magnesium, molybdenum, potash, salt, chloride, and gilsonite. 

Uranium- an element on the periodic table- 92- used to power nuclear power plants, naval ships, and submarines

Beryllium- an element on the periodic table- 4- used for gyroscopes, electrical contacts, springs, spot welds of electrodes, and non-sparking tools

Magnesium- an element on the periodic table- 12- used in the human body- regulates muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure as well as making muscle, bone, and DNA

Molybdenum- -number 42 on the periodic table- used to make steel stronger, increase electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion- "moly steel" alloys are used in engine parts

Potash- a group of minerals and chemicals that contain potassium- #19 on the periodic table- a basic nutrient for plants used in fertilizer

Salt- made of sodium and chloride- used for flavoring food, also used for tanning, dieing, bleaching and the production of pottery, soap, and chlorine.

Gilsonite- the solidification of petroleum- used in the manufacture of wire insulation, paints, and varnishes, construction materials, asphalt, printing ink, oil well drilling, drilling Fluid and in foundry casting.

Next is a Geologic map of Utah as well as Coal map:

See if you can find the following geologic features on the map:
● Volcanic rocks (red, purple and pink areas)
● Sedimentary rocks deposited in lakes and oceans (grey, orange and blue
rocks)
● Metamorphic rocks (dark brown)
● Loose sediment that has filled valley floors (light tan)
● Earthquake faults (solid or dotted black lines)

Using the information from the resource chart, what kind of resources would you possibly expect to find in each of these areas?
On a worldwide scale these patterns are repeated. Some countries have many resources available to them while others have few. Large countries have a resource advantage because more land means more possible resources. Small countries often struggle to provide resources for their people and have to maintain good relations with their neighbors so that they can trade for resources they lack.