Among the worst parts of climate change is the sea level rise. Cities in the United States are nowadays spending billions of dollars to stop the effects of coastal flooding. Many cities are already sunken underneath the sea, and many others may be expected to go underwater by 2050.

How we know this is simple: we’ve seen the maps. We’ve seen how the lands changed, how there is less land now and more water. We’ve seen the continents change their shape, and drift apart as the tectonic plates started shifting. And as this happens, the climate is also taking a hit. Slowly, but surely, it’s changing.

But what exactly is geodesy, and how can it help us understand climate change? In this article, you will learn how monitoring sea level rise and land subsidence can give us a better understanding of climate change.

What Is Geodesy?

Geodesy is the science of measuring the shape, size, mass distribution, and orientation of the Earth. This collection of accurate measurements gives us a better understanding of how its shape changes with time and what we may expect from the future.

In the past, geodesy was used mostly for this: surveillance, to determine exactly what the earth’s position is. Now, there is a greater toolbox of appliances that researchers and students can use. In the past few years, geodesy went from monitoring earthquake hazards and plate motions to mapping landslides, volcanic activity, climate change, weather damage, and water resources.

Several system types are used to determine the geodetic data of the earth, including:

• GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems)
• LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
• InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar)
• GRACE (Gravity Recovery & Climate Experiment)
• Altimetry
• Meters (tilt, borehole, creep)

For the most part, geodetic tools such as GPS were used to determine horizontal and vertical motion, as a way to potentially predict seismic and tectonic activity. That being said, this positioning can also be used to determine how the continents will look in the future and how much the lands will subside.

How Geodesy Helps Understand Climate Change

There is no doubt in our minds that geodesy has made great improvements over time. In its observation of land and orientation changes, geodesy helps us understand how the lands are changing. In the past, this was nothing to be concerned about – the lands remained mostly the same, aside from the change in position.

However, during the last few decades, we’ve seen the concerning effects of human-induced climate change. As the water levels are rising, many countries are at risk of being completely overflown.

Geodesy in itself cannot do much against climate change or its effects. That being said, it will give us the necessary information to possibly predict future scenarios. By knowing these changes, decision-makers can take the necessary actions to slow the effects of climate change or find the least damaging alternative possible.

Why Is Climate Change Causing the Sea Level to Rise?

As droughts are becoming very common and the temperatures are continuously rising, we see entire countries making efforts to use as little water as possible. After all, our water seems to be running out, which means we’ll have to use every amount as smart as we can.

That being said, global warming does not mean that we no longer have water. What we see is that there is water where there shouldn’t be. Water levels have gone up by 24 centimeters since 1880. In 2023, the sea level was about 101.2 millimeters above the data from 1993, bringing it to the highest average recorded by the satellites. The table below features a representation of how sea levels changed over the last few years:

There are several reasons why the sea levels are on the rise as the earth is warming. This can include the following:

Warming Water

One big factor in why the sea levels are rising is the general increase in temperatures. This heats the sea, causing something referred to as “thermal expansion.” When this happens, it leads to an expansion of the water volume, causing the sea levels to rise and go over existing lands and coastlines.

Groundwater Depletion

A small contributor to sea level rises is also the depletion of water on the land. This includes lakes, aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, and soil moisture. As the lands are going through times of lengthy drought, the water from the grounds is shifting into the ocean. This causes a slight rise in the oceans – especially as wastewater always makes its way into the oceans.

Melting Glaciers

By far, one of the main reasons why sea levels are rising is the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, which adds to the ocean water volume. The average volume loss of glaciers has quintupled over the past couple of decades, going from 171 mm of liquid water in 1980 to 850 mm in 2018.

Greenland ice sheets have also begun losing up to 247 billion tons of water per year in the past decade, whereas Antarctica saw about 199 billion tons per year. This is a significant increase from 1990 when Greenland lost about 34 billion and Antarctica an average of 51 billion.

Actions to Reduce the Effects of Climate Change

At this point, we know that there is not much that can be done to stop climate change altogether. The earth will follow its natural course, and we also need to live our lives comfortably. What we can do is reduce the carbon footprint that we leave behind. Some common techniques include the following:

• Reducing energy consumption
• Adequately insulating homes and buildings
• Switching to remote environments
• Changing the energy source
• Reducing personal vehicle usage
• Switching to electric vehicles
• Reducing long-distance travels
• Eating more vegetables
• Reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling
• Keeping the environment clean

For the most part, carbon and oil emissions represent one of the main causes of climate change, leading to rising temperatures and water levels. This domino effect can potentially determine land subsidence, causing many cities to risk going underwater.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the best ways to do your part in slowing down climate change. A reduction in high-fuel-consumption utilities such as heavy machinery, gas-based cars, or airplanes can significantly reduce the effects of climate change (provided you are not the only one doing it).

The concern is real, which is why many countries have implemented strategies for governments and businesses to follow. For instance, the Climate Change Act issued in 2008 and amended in 2019 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reaching net zero by 2050.

Conclusion

Geodesy can tell us quite a lot about how our planet is changing and how climate change is affecting our landscape. With the data we receive, we can make the best decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and potentially prevent ourselves from going underwater.

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These tips were researched in partnership with Nick Wilson, the founder of Advance SOS – a reputable financial company with extensive experience in the cash advance industry. Our collaboration aims to provide you with valuable insights and strategies to transition effectively into the business industry.

These tips will be helpful to you because making a career switch can be daunting, especially when it involves moving from a technical field like geology to business. However, it is entirely possible to make the transition with a well-planned approach and some perseverance. Here are some tips on how to switch careers from geology to business.

Understand Your Motivations

Understanding your motivations is the foundational step in making a successful career switch. You must identify why you want to leave your current field and embark on a new career path. It could be because you are seeking new challenges that your current role doesn’t offer, or you may be looking to earn more money. It could also be due to a newfound passion for business and a desire to explore this field further. Understanding your motivations is crucial as it helps you set clear goals for your new career.

Research the Business Field

Before making the switch, it is essential to research the business field thoroughly. What are the different types of business roles available, and which ones interest you the most? What skills and qualifications do you need to be successful in these roles? What are the job prospects and earning potential? Talk to people in the business field, attend networking events, and read industry publications to gain a better understanding of what to expect. You may also want to consider pursuing a business degree or taking online courses to gain additional knowledge and skills.

Consider Your Transferable Skills

As a geologist, you may have developed skills that can be transferred to the business field. Take an inventory of your skills and experiences, and determine how they can be applied in the business field. For example, geologists are trained to analyze data, work independently, and communicate effectively. These skills are highly valued in business roles, so be sure to highlight them on your resume and during interviews.

Gain Relevant Experience

To switch to a business career, you may need to gain some relevant experience. You can do this by volunteering or interning in a business-related field, taking courses or certifications, or freelancing. This will help you to build a network, learn new skills, and gain practical experience that will make you more attractive to potential employers.

Network

Networking is an essential part of any career switch, especially when moving to a new field. Attend business events, join professional associations, and reach out to people who work in the business field. This will help you to learn about job opportunities, get advice on how to switch careers and build connections that could lead to job offers.

Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. Be sure to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience, and tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the role.

Prepare for Interviews

When preparing for interviews, be ready to explain why you want to switch careers and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the role. Be prepared to answer questions about your business knowledge and demonstrate your passion for the industry.

Be Prepared for Challenges

Switching careers is not easy, and there may be challenges along the way. You may face rejection, have to start at a lower level, or need to take a pay cut. However, with perseverance and a positive attitude, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your career goals.

With careful planning and persistence, switching careers from geology to business can be a feasible feat. It’s crucial to identify your motivations, research the business field, accentuate your transferable skills, acquire relevant experience, expand your network, craft a strong resume and cover letter, and prepare for potential obstacles. These critical steps can pave the way for a successful career transition. Wishing you the best of luck on your career journey!

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Geodesists use GPS to monitor the movement of a particular area around the clock and throughout the week. When applying geodesy to other planets, it’s called planetary geodesy, which involves the study of other astronomical bodies like planets or circumplanetary systems.

That said, below are ways in which geodesy is of importance to us:

#1. Accurate Representation of Topography Maps

Topography or land surface elevation finds vital scientific applications in geology, botany, zoology, erosion, hazards, etc. Data from topographic maps are one of the most important factors in determining the degree of flooding, base flood elevation, and water surface elevations and hence the accuracy of flood maps in riverine regions.

Similarly, accurate topographic maps – which are products of geodesy – can help us in aircraft navigation and recreational activities like backpacking and hiking. Through geodesic information, Google Earth© regularly updates its base layer with the latest topographic data. With accurate topographic information, commercial activities like planning pipelines, cell phone tower placement, and vehicle routing to economize fuel are now more efficient.

Modern US topography is now done with a higher accuracy of 10cm or better, thanks to aircraft radar and other precise geodetic infrastructure.

#2. GPS (Global Positioning System) Monitoring and Improvement 

Geodetic infrastructure has contributed significantly to improvements in the GPS (Global Positioning System). For instance, through geodesic research, there’s now a third GPS frequency. Also, future GPS satellites can have laser retroreflectors – used to accurately determine the orbits of satellites around the Earth.

Also, NASA’s GDGPS (Global Differential GPS) performs integrity monitoring and GPS situational assessment for the US Defence Department. This GDGPS is the foundation for real-time orbit improvement for the Advanced Control Segment – an Air Force-sponsored project to improve GPS accuracy.

#3. Space Exploration

Aside from earthly applications, geodesy remains very relevant in the exploration of the solar system and other regions. Since geodetic systems have worked well on Earth, they can also be applied to extraterrestrial bodies.

For instance, the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) project utilizes a technique for determining the moon’s gravity that was developed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Change (GRACE) project based on Earth. Before having the opportunity for in-depth study of the earth or other planets, we must depend on information from surface observations like geodetic and seismic measurements to grasp their interior structure.

The precession of the rotation axis of Mars has been measured, and its terrain and gravity field have been mapped through geodetic techniques. Through these observations, scientists now have estimates of the mass, size, and physical state of its core.

Also, there are estimates of the seasonal variations of mass in its polar ice caps. In the aviation industry, geodesic infrastructure is also necessary to track spacecraft locations from Earth because as spacecraft get farther away from the Earth, there’s an increase in the demand for accuracy in the angular resolution of tracking.

#4. Real-Time Geodetic Positions

Through geodesy, we can get accurate real-time locations, which are useful in a wide array of commercial services and applications. The accurate positions of GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites in their orbits and a frame of reference from Earth are used to accurately determine an object’s location on the Earth’s surface.

The global geodetic infrastructure enables accurate real-time positioning for applications and services like surveying, and precision agriculture, through networks like the NOAA/NGS CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Station).

The CORS network is also a vital part of the NSRS (National Spatial Reference System) – which gives a very consistent and accurate geographic reference framework throughout the US, enabling the integration and registration of various data layers in the geographic and land information systems. 

#5. Determining Accurate Satellite Orbits

Satellites are now equipped to provide a good number of vital services such as communications, weather forecasts, land-use monitoring, etc. It is possible to determine exactly where a satellite is in its orbit by simply attaching a GNSS/GPS receiver to it.

So, when the highest accuracy is needed, it becomes necessary to support the GNSS/GPS data with information obtained from global geodetic infrastructure like the ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame) and the International GNSS Service network.

Additionally, geodetic observations contribute to the development of models of Earth’s gravity field, as well as the Earth’s rotation rate and rotation axis, which help to determine the gravitational forces on the satellite. That way, satellites can be positioned accurately for various applications like radar imaging, radar and laser altimetry, gravimetry, etc.

Final Thoughts

Geodesy has significantly impacted modern-day geology, surveying, astronomy, aeronautics, meteorology, and thus human life and existence. The above are only some of its present applications. Research is still ongoing in future use cases of this science and how it can improve human life on Earth and beyond.

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Geologic Time
Geologic time is described by a geochronological scale, which is divided into time intervals lasting hundreds of thousands of years. This great geological discovery today underlies the history of the Earth before the existence of man on it. Anyone interested can use this scale to get reliable information on each period of the formation of the planet and the most significant natural phenomena that occurred on it.

Geological age of the earth
According to scientists’ hypotheses, the age of our planet is estimated at 4.5 to 4.7 billion years, during which the movement of lithospheric plates, the appearance and extinction of different species of living beings took place. Meteorites have fallen to the surface of the Earth’s crust, and there has been periodic climate change in the atmosphere, triggering global warming or an ice age. The structure of the earth today is the result of these irreversible changes and the history of the earth’s development.

To determine the geological age of the Earth, scientists have spent many years conducting extensive archaeological excavations, laboratory research, theoretical calculations, observing the stars, taking samples of images and performing many other types of complex analytical work. Nevertheless, this hypothesis, despite its accuracy, is only theoretical, and no scientist in the world has yet been able to prove it definitively.

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Minerals
A mineral is a naturally occurring chemical compound, usually crystalline and abiogenic (inorganic) in origin. A mineral has one specific chemical composition, while a stone may be a collection of different minerals or mineraloids. The science of minerals is called mineralogy.

There are more than 5,300 known types of minerals. Silicate minerals make up over 90% of the Earth’s crust. Silicon and oxygen form about 75% of the Earth’s crust, which is directly related to the predominance of silicate minerals.

Minerals differ in chemical and physical properties. Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure make it possible to recognize the species that were determined by the geological environment of the mineral when they were formed. Fluctuations in temperature, pressure or bulk composition of a rock mass cause changes in minerals.

Rocks
Rocks are solid mixtures of at least one mineral. While minerals have crystals and chemical formulas, rocks are characterized by texture and mineral composition. On this basis, rocks are divided into three groups: igneous rocks (formed by the gradual cooling of magma), metamorphic rocks (formed by the alteration of igneous and sedimentary rocks) and sedimentary rocks (formed at low temperatures and pressures when marine and continental sediments are transformed). These three major rock types participate in a process called the rock cycle, which describes the labor-intensive transitions, both on the surface and underground, from one rock type to another over long periods of geologic time.

Fossils
Fossils are signs of living things that existed a very long time ago. They can represent imprints of bodies or even products of organisms. Fossils also include footprints, burrows, nests, and other indirect signs. Fossils are clear evidence of early life on Earth. Geologists have compiled an account of ancient life extending back hundreds of millions of years.

Fossils are of practical importance because they change throughout geologic time. The assemblage of fossils serves to identify rocks. The geologic time scale is based almost exclusively on fossil remains and is supplemented by other dating methods. With its help, we can confidently compare sedimentary rocks from around the world. Fossils are also valuable museum pieces and collectors’ items.

Landforms, Geologic Structures, and Maps
Landforms in all their diversity are the result of the rock cycle. They have been shaped by erosion and other processes. Landforms provide information about how the Earth’s crust formed and changed in the geologic past, such as the Ice Age.

Geologic Processes and Threats
Geologic processes result in the cycling of rocks, the creation of structures and landforms, and fossils. They include erosion, deposition, fossilization, faulting, uplift, metamorphism, and volcanism.

Geologic hazards are powerful expressions of geologic processes. Landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, climate change, floods, and cosmic impacts are prime examples of hazards. Understanding basic geologic processes can help humanity reduce the damage from geologic disasters.

Earth Tectonics and History
Tectonics is geological activity at its largest scale. As geologists mapped rocks and studied geological features and processes, they began to raise and answer questions about tectonics-the life cycle of mountain ranges and volcanic chains, the movement of continents, the rise and fall of world ocean levels, and what processes occur in the Earth’s core and mantle. Plate tectonics explains how the lithospheric plates move and has made it possible to study our planet as a single structure.

Earth’s geologic history is the story told by minerals, rocks, fossils, topography, and tectonics. Studies of fossils, combined with various methods, provide a coherent evolutionary history of life on Earth. The Phanerozoic Eon (age of the fossils) of the last 542 million years is well mapped as a time of abundant fauna and flora and accented by mass extinctions. The previous four billion years, Precambrian time, was a time of huge changes in the atmosphere, oceans, and continents.

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Geotectonics
Geotectonics is the core of geology, and this science involves the global study of the interior of the crust, the patterns and trajectories of movement of the lithospheric plates.

It is thanks to geotectonics that reliable geological maps are made, and ultrasonic methods make it possible to determine precisely what is in the depth of rock masses or the thickness of the earth’s crust, the change of this morphological parameter over the years.

Geotectonics is rooted deep in history, and today scientists seek to determine the nature of the Earth’s crust changes, depending on various mechanical influences. This science allows us to predict the approximate age of our planet, as well as the time period during which it will remain suitable for human life.

Volcanology
From the name of this section of geology it is clear that the science studies the cause of volcano formation, their internal structure, and also predicts the risk of eruption and approximately calculates the possible consequences of this phenomenon for human life, climate and morphological changes in the earth’s crust.

The need to separate volcanology into an independent science arose many years ago, after a series of devastating volcanic eruptions that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Volcanology is inextricably linked with geotectonics, because molten magma comes to the surface of the Earth’s crust precisely because of changes in the location of lithospheric plates, or because of their collision.

Scientists have long mapped active and dormant volcanoes for the entire globe and monitor potentially hazardous areas. Such areas are usually located in places of tectonic rifts and in areas where the thickness of the crust is minimal.

Seismology .
This science as an independent part of geology appeared comparatively recently. One of the founders of this science was seismologist Charles Richter, who created a scale of numerical values of magnitude of the Earth’s crust vibrations.

When the lithospheric plates are brought into increased activity due to a combination of external or internal factors, they begin to vibrate. Seismic laboratories around the world record these pulses well in advance of an earthquake and transmit important information to rescue services, allowing timely action to be taken to save the population.

Modern seismology involves sophisticated electromagnetic and navigational metrology equipment that provides instantaneous automatic recording of pulses from long distances, including on the ocean floor, preventing tsunamis.

Geocryology
This branch of geology studies frozen soils located in special climatic zones that are characterized by low temperatures, long winters, and minimal precipitation.

Typically, this section of geology studies ground frost heave, the development of permafrost on a territorial basis, and the chemical composition and physical and mechanical characteristics of these ground bases.

Considering that most of the mining industry is located in areas with a harsh climate in the northern regions of our country, geocryological studies are conducted in these areas prior to the development and construction of mining enterprises.

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Construction
Before the erection of any capital construction facility, knowledge of geology is necessary, which implies the execution of a formal report on the results of engineering and geological surveys, which will determine the following characteristics of the soil base:

• The number and thickness of layers of soil base in the well.
• Physical and mechanical characteristics of each layer of the soil base.
• The actual and predicted level of groundwater rise.
• Assessment of the area’s potential waterlogging capability.
• Determination of the chemical composition and fractions of the soil base.
• Evaluation of the thickness of the compressible thickness of the soil under pressure from the projected building.

According to the results of engineering-geological surveys, the expert also draws conclusions about the general suitability of the soil base for the erection of the facility. If the general strength and strain characteristics of the ground do not allow the property to be constructed without preparation, the expert makes a number of important recommendations on the type of foundation as well as on the methods for strengthening the upper layers within the compressible thickness and the need for a circular drainage system if the groundwater table is too high.

Extraction of minerals
Knowledge of geology also allows you to accurately anticipate the amount, location, and approximate percentage of minerals in the soil basement. Trial sampling provides insight into which industries may use a certain category of minerals or rock samples.

Before organizing a quarry, sand pit or mining and processing plant, geologists initially perform a survey, the results of which determine the area and depth of the excavation, the properties of the extracted rocks, the total volume and cost-effectiveness of this activity.

Thus, answering the question, what is geology, we can say that this science is the most important branch in modern industry, which allows to determine exactly the composition of soils, their age, physical and mechanical properties, as well as to prepare a business plan and determine the economic feasibility of future activities of the enterprise.

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Erosion
Soil erosion is the natural process of gradual destruction of soil, rocks, and organic fossils by the movement of water currents. In the process of erosion, the energy of water gradually affects the crystalline structure of minerals or rocks, increases or causes micro-cracks that gradually expand under incessant pressure. As a result of erosion, particles of the substrate and rocks flake off and move with the water flow for short distances. Erosion results in sinkholes, deep ravines, and canyons and valleys cut by the river.

Erosion can be normal, which occurs exclusively under the influence of natural forces, or accelerated, when the natural processes are interfered with the technogenic factor.

Erosion is classified into 3 basic categories – rain erosion, when particles of the basement are washed away by falling drops, planar erosion, when the upper strata of soil gradually slide down from embankments or mountains whose slopes are sloping, and linear, or local erosion, when there is a washout of the basement by moving water streams.

Weathering
Weathering is a change in the structure of rocks, influenced by weathering such as the movement of air currents, rain, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters.

The cause of weathering can be both internal and various mechanical effects – the formation of gases inside the molecules of solid rocks, underwater erosion effects, gravitational effects under the mass of overlying materials and other factors.

As a result of weathering of material in the earth’s crust, rocks can both lose their physical and mechanical properties and structure, collapse and fall into disrepair, and, conversely, strengthen, acquire a certain shape, which allows their use in industry or in the construction industry.

Weathering can be natural, which is accompanied by natural aging of materials and their components, as well as artificial, when all the physical, mechanical and morphological changes occur under the influence of directed external forces.

Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics is one of the major geological processes that involves the movement of lithospheric plates over the surface of magma. As a result of these geological processes, each lithospheric plate moves a certain distance each year.

In the process of plate movement, depending on their distance or proximity to each other, a fault, a depression, or a mountain range is formed. If the plates get too close together, magma can come to the surface, which is called volcanization. As a result of volcanic eruptions, the climate in the area partially changes, and a new topography of the surveyed area is formed with the appearance of various plant or animal species.

As a result of a thorough study of plate tectonics, scientists can always prevent natural disasters, build capital structures in time to strengthen the soil, or implement emergency measures to protect the population living in an area exposed to plate tectonics from danger.

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Geology is defined as “the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth. Almost everything we use in our lives has something to do with the Earth. Homes, streets, computers, toys, tools, etc. are made from natural resources. Although the sun is the Earth’s ultimate source of energy, we need the additional energy that is produced by burning natural gas, wood, etc. Geological science is of paramount importance in locating these sources of Earth’s energy, as well as explaining how to extract them more efficiently from the bowels of the planet, at the lowest economic cost and with the least impact on the environment. Water resources are extremely important to mankind, but in many parts of the world there is a shortage of fresh water. The study of geology helps find water sources to reduce the impact of water scarcity on people.

The study of geology also covers Earth processes that can affect civilization. An earthquake can destroy thousands of lives in a few minutes. In addition, tsunamis, floods, landslides, droughts, and volcanic activity can have a huge impact on civilization. Geologists study these processes and recommend certain measures to minimize damage if such events occur. For example, by studying patterns of river flooding, geologists can recommend avoiding certain areas when building new cities to prevent potential damage. Seismology, a branch of geology, although a very complex area of study, can help save many lives by assessing where there is the greatest likelihood of an earthquake (usually in geologic fault lines) and recommending the type of technology to be used in building in these vulnerable areas.

Many businesses rely on information from geologists for their operations. Gold, diamonds, silver, oil, iron, aluminum, and coal are natural resources that are widely used in industry. Geologists and the science of geology help find these and other resources. Even a simple building material such as sand needs to be found and mined and then already used in the construction of homes, businesses, schools, etc.

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