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G4: Earth Materials and Natural Resources

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does geology supply energy, and how can resources be used sustainably?

The formation of coal and its rank, the geological basis of energy resources (fossil fuels, geothermal, nuclear fuels) and bulk materials, the distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources, and the environmental impacts and sustainable management of extraction, including carbon capture and storage.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G4 answer on the formation and rank of coal, the geological basis of energy resources (fossil fuels, geothermal and nuclear fuels) and bulk construction materials, the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, and the environmental impacts and sustainable management of extraction, including carbon capture and storage.
13 min answer →

How do oil and gas form, migrate and become trapped?

The formation of hydrocarbons from organic-rich source rocks, the requirements of a petroleum system (source, reservoir, cap rock, trap, maturation and migration), the main trap types (anticlinal, fault, stratigraphic, salt dome), and the principles of exploration and recovery.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G4 answer on how oil and gas form from organic-rich source rocks, the elements of a working petroleum system (source, reservoir, cap rock, trap, maturation, migration), the main hydrocarbon trap types, and the principles of exploration and recovery.
14 min answer →

How do ore deposits form and how is a deposit evaluated?

The processes that concentrate metals into ore deposits (magmatic segregation, hydrothermal veins, secondary enrichment, placer and sedimentary processes), the meaning of grade, cut-off grade and reserves, and the principles of evaluating and exploiting a mineral deposit.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G4 answer on how metals are concentrated into ore deposits by magmatic segregation, hydrothermal veins, secondary enrichment, placer and sedimentary processes, the meaning of grade, cut-off grade and reserves, and the principles of evaluating and exploiting a mineral deposit.
13 min answer →

How is groundwater stored and supplied, and how does geology affect engineering?

The storage and movement of groundwater in aquifers (porosity, permeability, water table, artesian conditions), the abstraction and sustainable use of groundwater, and the influence of rock and ground conditions on engineering works such as dams, tunnels and foundations.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G4 answer on how groundwater is stored and moves in aquifers, the role of porosity, permeability, the water table and artesian conditions, the sustainable abstraction of groundwater, and how rock type and ground conditions affect engineering works such as dams, tunnels and foundations.
13 min answer →