Problem 1 Copper is the element most commonly used for pipes and electrical wiring, and is thus critical for power lines and electric motors and generators. Its production has been increasing steeply in recent years (see figure that shows production between 1900 and 2010). In 2005, the USGS reported the current known reserve that is technologically feasible to mine is 1.6 billion tonnes. For this problem, you can assume the 1.6 billion tonne reserve includes the copper previously extracted since 1900. Also, assume the peak production of copper is expected to be 30 million tonnes/year. a. Consider the plot of World Copper production: 18 16 14 12 10 Production in 106 tons/year 0 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Year World copper production in metric tonnes per year (1900-2010), from minerals.usgs.gov Based on visual inspection of the plot of production versus time for the last ~95 years, what production model would you say best describes the data up to 2010: Static, Exponential, or Gaussian? Explain your answer. b. Using a Gaussian growth model, determine how many years after 2010 peak production will be reached. Read the chart to the nearest 100,000 tonnes/yr. Express your answer in years from 2010 or in years AD. c. Using the Gaussian growth model, predict when Copper will effectively run out. Assume the reserve is effectively exhausted at 3.50 from the year of peak production. Express your answer in years AD (e.g., 2041). Problem 1 Copper is the element most commonly used for pipes and electrical wiring, and is thus critical for power lines and electric motors and generators. Its production has been increasing steeply in recent years (see figure that shows production between 1900 and 2010). In 2005, the USGS reported the current known reserve that is technologically feasible to mine is 1.6 billion tonnes. For this problem, you can assume the 1.6 billion tonne reserve includes the copper previously extracted since 1900. Also, assume the peak production of copper is expected to be 30 million tonnes/year. a. Consider the plot of World Copper production: 18 16 14 12 10 Production in 106 tons/year 0 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Year World copper production in metric tonnes per year (1900-2010), from minerals.usgs.gov Based on visual inspection of the plot of production versus time for the last ~95 years, what production model would you say best describes the data up to 2010: Static, Exponential, or Gaussian? Explain your answer. b. Using a Gaussian growth model, determine how many years after 2010 peak production will be reached. Read the chart to the nearest 100,000 tonnes/yr. Express your answer in years from 2010 or in years AD. c. Using the Gaussian growth model, predict when Copper will effectively run out. Assume the reserve is effectively exhausted at 3.50 from the year of peak production. Express your answer in years AD (e.g., 2041)