College

We appreciate your visit to Surface mining is more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining Please select the best answer from the choices provided. This page offers clear insights and highlights the essential aspects of the topic. Our goal is to provide a helpful and engaging learning experience. Explore the content and find the answers you need!

Surface mining is more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Answer :

Final answer:

Surface mining is more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining due to significant habitat destruction, pollution, and climate impacts. Practices like mountaintop removal and open-pit mining destroy large areas of land and increase sedimentation in water bodies. Overall, surface mining causes broader ecological harm compared to the effects of subsurface mining.


Explanation:

Comparison of Surface Mining and Subsurface Mining

Surface mining is generally considered more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining. This is largely due to the significant alterations in the landscape and ecosystems caused by surface mining practices such as open-pit and mountaintop removal mining.

1. Habitat Destruction: Surface mining removes large sections of land to access minerals, which leads to the loss of forests and habitats for local wildlife. For example, mountaintop removal mining not only eliminates the mountaintops but also buries adjacent valleys, destroying streams and ecosystems.

2. Pollution and Erosion: The process of clearing land can cause sedimentation in nearby streams and lakes. Pollutants like heavy metals can leach into water systems, further harming aquatic life and disrupting nutrient cycling.

3. Climate Impact: While subsurface mining may release methane gas, surface mining's extensive habitat disruption and pollution have even broader ecological consequences, notably contributing to climate change and increasing flooding risks.

Thus, through habitat destruction, increased pollution, and broader ecological impacts, surface mining poses a greater threat to the environment compared to subsurface mining.


Learn more about Mining Impact here:

https://brainly.com/question/29766397


Thanks for taking the time to read Surface mining is more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining Please select the best answer from the choices provided. We hope the insights shared have been valuable and enhanced your understanding of the topic. Don�t hesitate to browse our website for more informative and engaging content!

Rewritten by : Barada