Question

Which statement accurately compares the environmental impact of underground mining and hydraulic fracturing?

Answer Options:

Both can cause sinkholes.
Both involve digging deep into the earth.
Both can cause earthquakes.
Both can impact marine wildlife

Answer 1

The most accurate statement comparing the environmental impact of underground mining and hydraulic fracturing is:

**Both can cause earthquakes.**

While both methods have environmental impacts, the specific comparison here highlights that both underground mining and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) have been associated with the occurrence of induced seismicity or minor earthquakes. The other options do not apply as universally to both methods. For example, while underground mining typically involves digging deep into the earth, hydraulic fracturing does not primarily involve extensive digging but rather injecting fluids into rock formations. Sinkholes are more closely related to underground mining, and the impact on marine wildlife is more associated with hydraulic fracturing due to potential water contamination and runoff.