 |  Environmental Science: A Global Concern, 7/e William P. Cunningham,
University of Minnesota
Mary Ann Cunningham,
Vassar College
Barbara Woodworth Saigo,
St. Cloud State University
Environmental Geology
Chapter OverviewThe lithosphere, the solid, rocky part of the earth's crust, is an important part of the biosphere. Not only does it play a major role in many biogeochemical cycles of ecosystems, it has been the source of metals and nonmetallic minerals of great usefulness to humans since the Stone Age.
After first learning some basic concepts of geology, you will read about the more important mineral resources, where they are found, what they are used for, and the environmental problems associated with extracting them.
Unlike the resources discussed in earlier chapters, minerals are not being created anew; once consumed, they are gone. Will we ever run out? That's a hard question to answer. Recycling rates are increasing, and substitute materials are being developed. Regardless, we must continue to press for environmentally acceptable ways of obtaining and using them.
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2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education