Resource Extraction

Obtaining Resources In order to obtain resources humans must utilize one of the following methods Harvesting – Wood, Peat Mining – Coal, Uranium/Plutonium Drilling – Oil, Natural Gas Each method has an impact on the lithosphere and the environment

Wood Harvesting Trees are harvested and cut down in order to provide: Paper Lumber Plywood Furniture Provides resources for humans however it destroys ecosystems Oxygen will decrease, Carbon Dioxide will increase

Peat Harvesting Peat is harvested and used to add nutrients and other chemicals to soils to make them more fertile Peat is renewable however does disrupt ecosystems

Coal Mining There are 2 major methods of coal mining: Surface Mining Underground mining Coal mining is harmful to the environment because: It disrupts the landscape of the lithosphere  Causes erosion Leaves behind toxic substances  Pollute air and water

Uranium/Plutonium Mining There are 3 methods for mining Uranium and Plutonium: Open Pit Mining Underground Mining In-Situ Leaching All of these methods create health risks for workers

Oil Drilling Oil is contained inside of rocks that prevent it from escaping (Oil Traps) Oil rigs are used to drill inside of the rocks and pump the oil out Concerns about oil drilling: Oil spills – Could destroy ecosystems and affect wildlife

Natural Gas Drilling Natural gas is obtained from hydrofracking Rock near the bottom of a well is broken up Used in order to increase the flow of natural gas from the well Environmental Effects: Accidents can cause hazardous chemicals to escape Produces waste that must be disposed of