Question

Which statements accurately compare the environmental impact of surface mining to the environmental
impact of underground mining? Select the two correct answers. (1 point)

The risk of sinkholes is higher in surface mining than in underground mining.

Surface mining causes more destruction of land ecosystems than underground mining.

Underground mining causes more issues with dust and particulates than surface mining.

Both surface mining and underground mining risk causing severe water pollution.

There is a higher risk of release of dangerous gases in surface mining than in underground mining.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- Surface mining causes more destruction of land ecosystems than underground mining.
- Both surface mining and underground mining risk causing severe water pollution.

Brief reasons:
- Surface mining removes large areas of soil and vegetation, causing greater habitat destruction and landscape alteration.
- Both methods can contaminate water (acid mine drainage, tailings, runoff, heavy metals), so water pollution is a risk for both.