3 . C c c Cause and Effect What causes miner- als to be unevenly distributed on Earth? __

## Step 1<br />The uneven distribution of minerals on Earth is a result of several factors. These factors include the Earth's geological processes, the movement of tectonic plates, and the varying conditions of the Earth's crust.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The Earth's geological processes, such as volcanic activity and erosion, can lead to the concentration of certain minerals in specific areas. For example, volcanic activity can bring minerals from the mantle to the surface, leading to their concentration in certain areas.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The movement of tectonic plates can also cause the concentration of minerals. When plates collide, they can push the surface, leading to their concentration in certain areas.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The varying conditions of the Earth's crust, such as temperature and pressure, can also affect the distribution of minerals. For example, certain minerals may only form under specific conditions, leading to their concentration in areas with those conditions.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Human activities, such as mining, can also contribute to the uneven distribution of minerals. Mining can lead to the concentration of minerals in certain areas, as minerals are extracted from the Earth's crust.