This document discusses various earth processes including minerals, mining, weathering, erosion and soil formation. 1) Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with definite crystal structures, and examples include coal, gold, copper and limestone. Recycling and substitutes can help reduce mineral depletion. 2) Weathering is the breaking down of rocks by processes like rain and wind. Erosion is the movement of weathered materials from one place to another. 3) Human mining activities, like the "cookie mining" example, can affect the land and other organisms living there.