Question

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

Surface mining is more likely to contaminate area waterways.
Surface mining is more likely to contaminate area waterways.

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.

In surface mining, the overburden is less extensive.

Answer 1

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

This removal of soil and vegetation destroys habitats, increases erosion and runoff, and makes ecosystem recovery much harder than with underground mining.