Since coal is nonrenewable, it cannot be replaced as fast as it is used. Recent studies indicate that the United States has about 470 billion tons of coal beneath its surface. That’s about 940 trillion pounds of coal. About three-quarters of these reserves are found in six states: Montana, Illinois, Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Almost all coal used in the United States is burned for electricity.

Question

4
How might human activity affect the location of coal deposits?

A
Coal deposits will eventually expand into coastal areas

B
Coal will be found in fewer places as humans use up deposits

C
Coal deposits will move towards cities where more people live

D
Coal is a natural resource that cannot be affected by human activity

Answer 1

The most accurate answer is:

B. Coal will be found in fewer places as humans use up deposits

As humans extract and utilize coal deposits, the available reserves decrease, leading to a reduction in the locations where coal can be found. This reflects the nonrenewable nature of coal, as it cannot be replaced as fast as it is consumed.