Mining Methods Quick Check
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Question
Which statement is true about the potential environmental impact on local water by both surface and underground mining?(1 point)
Responses
Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water.
Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water.
Both types of mining can lead to a lowered water table.
Both types of mining can lead to a lowered water table.
Both types of mining lead to overburden clogging small local waterways.
Both types of mining lead to overburden clogging small local waterways.
Both types of mining cause high risk of sediment runoff.
Both types of mining cause high risk of sediment runoff.
What environmental impacts are caused by both surface mining and underground mining? Select the two correct answers. (1 point)
Responses
destruction from overburden
destruction from overburden
sinkhole formation after mining is complete
sinkhole formation after mining is complete
local water contamination
local water contamination
destruction of ecosystems
destruction of ecosystems
release of underground gases
The correct answers are:
1. Destruction from overburden
2. Local water contamination
Mining Methods Quick Check
3 of 33 of 3 Items
Question
When compared to underground mining, why does surface mining have a larger impact on land ecosystems?(1 point)
Responses
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.
In surface mining, the overburden is less extensive.
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.
The statement that is true about the potential environmental impact on local water by both surface and underground mining is: Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water.
To determine which statement is true about the potential environmental impact on local water by both surface and underground mining, you can analyze each response and evaluate its accuracy.
1. "Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water."
This statement is indeed true. Both surface and underground mining can result in the exposure of sulfide minerals to air and water, which can lead to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD often contains heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, which can contaminate local water sources.
2. "Both types of mining can lead to a lowered water table."
This statement is not entirely correct. While surface mining can indeed cause a lowered water table due to the removal of overlying soil and rock layers, underground mining may not have the same impact on the water table. Underground mining involves extracting minerals from below the surface, and the impacts on water availability are dependent on various factors, such as the type of mining, the depth of the mine, and local geology.
3. "Both types of mining lead to overburden clogging small local waterways."
This statement is incorrect. Overburden refers to the sediment or rock that is removed in order to access mineral deposits during mining. While surface mining involves the removal of overburden, underground mining does not necessarily result in the same issue. Therefore, it is not accurate to state that both types of mining lead to overburden clogging small local waterways.
4. "Both types of mining cause high risk of sediment runoff."
This statement is mostly true. Both surface and underground mining can contribute to sediment runoff, which occurs when eroded soil and rock are washed into nearby water bodies. While surface mining involves extensive removal of soil and rock, increasing the likelihood of sediment runoff, underground mining might generate less surface disturbance and therefore a potentially lower risk of sediment runoff.
Based on the analysis, the first statement "Both types of mining can cause acid and heavy metals to get into local water" is the true statement regarding the potential environmental impact on local water by both surface and underground mining.