The map below shows the locations of all active coal mining operations within the United States in 2012.

Image courtesy of CDC

Which statement best explains why most of the coal mines are located in the same region of the United States?
A.
Coal is a renewable resource that replenishes over time, so coal mines built long ago in that region are still active today.
B.
Coal is a resource whose distribution cannot be predicted, so building many coal mines in one region ensures that some coal is found.
C.
Coal is not distributed evenly in the United States, so coal mines are built in areas with the largest coal deposits.
D.
Coal is distributed evenly in the United States, but coal mining is more popular in the northeastern region, so more mines are built there.

1 answer

The statement that best explains why most of the coal mines are located in the same region of the United States is:

C. Coal is not distributed evenly in the United States, so coal mines are built in areas with the largest coal deposits.

This option accurately reflects the reality that coal deposits are geologically concentrated in certain areas, leading to more mining activities in those regions.