Question

When compared to underground mining, why does surface mining have a larger impact on land ecosystems?(1 point)
Responses

In surface mining, the overburden is less extensive.
In surface mining, the overburden is less extensive.

In surface mining, the land collapses easily after mining is complete.
In surface mining, the land collapses easily after mining is complete.

In surface mining, large areas of land are completely cleared of vegetation and topsoil.
In surface mining, large areas of land are completely cleared of vegetation and topsoil.

Surface mining is more likely to contaminate area waterways.

Answer 1

In surface mining, large areas of land are completely cleared of vegetation and topsoil.

This removal of vegetation and soil causes major habitat loss, soil erosion, and long-term disruption of land ecosystems.