lecture 21: plate tectonics and natural resources
what are the main steps of the wilson cycle (rock cycle)
1. continental rifting of a supercontinent 2. ocean opening and formation of oceanic crust 3. oceanic crust subduction 4. closure of the ocean 5. continental collision
what is continental craton
cold and stable part of the continental lithosphere
what are the minerals associated with felsic igneous rocks
copper-gold-molybdenum deposits, tin-tungsten deposits, rare earth element deposits
what are the two driving forces of plate tectonics
mantle convection and plate density contrast
what are the minerals associated with mafic/ultramafic igneous rocks
nickel, copper, platinum group elements, chromium, diamond
what are the minerals associated with metamorphic rocks
ruby, sapphire, jade (gemstones), and gold deposits
what are the minerals associated with sedimentary rocks
uranium deposits, lead-zinc, aluminum, nickel, plater deposits of diamond, gold