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Surface mining is more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining.

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A. True (T)
B. False (F)

Answer :

Final answer:

Surface mining is generally more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining due to its significant impact on landscapes and ecosystems. It causes habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and contamination of waterways. Subsurface mining, on the other hand, is safer for workers but has its own environmental risks.


Explanation:

Surface Mining vs. Subsurface Mining


Surface mining and subsurface mining are two primary methods used for extracting resources, each with distinct environmental impacts. Surface mining, including practices like strip mining and mountaintop removal, is generally considered more ecologically damaging than subsurface mining.


Surface mining disrupts the landscape significantly by removing overburden (the soil and rock above the coal deposit) and often dumping it into nearby valleys, which can bury streams and habitats. This not only results in substantial habitat destruction but also leads to severe biodiversity loss due to habitat fragmentation. The removal of the mountaintops and the associated mining waste has been particularly detrimental to the ecosystems in regions like the Appalachian Mountains.


Moreover, surface mining exposes minerals that release harmful substances, such as sulfur, which can produce acid when coming into contact with air and water. This acid can contaminate local waterways, killing aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems further. In contrast, subsurface mining, while potentially safer for the worker in terms of fewer immediate environmental disturbances, comes with its own set of hazards, including risks of collapses and harmful air quality within mines.


In conclusion, while both methods have environmental consequences, the scale and immediacy of the destruction caused by surface mining typically surpass those caused by subsurface mining.


Learn more about Mining Environmental Impact here:

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