How does strip mining impact the environment?(1 point)
Responses
It strips oxygen from the air.
It strips oxygen from the air.
It strips gemstones from deep underground.
It strips gemstones from deep underground.
It strips trees and soil from the earth’s surface.
It strips trees and soil from the earth’s surface.
It strips fish and salt from the oceans.
It does not strip fish and salt from the oceans.
The correct response is: It strips trees and soil from the earth’s surface.
Strip mining is a method of mining where large portions of the earth's surface are removed to extract valuable minerals or resources. Unfortunately, strip mining has significant negative impacts on the environment.
When strip mining occurs, it involves the removal of vegetation, including trees, and the top layer of soil, which is often rich in nutrients. This process destroys the natural ecosystem and habitats of plants and animals in the area. It can also lead to erosion and loss of soil fertility, making it challenging for vegetation to regrow in the affected area.
Moreover, strip mining can cause water pollution. The removed topsoil and other debris are often dumped into nearby bodies of water, leading to sedimentation, increased turbidity, and reduced water quality. This harms aquatic life and can adversely affect the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Additionally, strip mining has implications for climate change. The clearance of vegetation and the release of carbon stored in the soil contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which further exacerbates global warming.
In summary, strip mining has a range of negative environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and contributing to climate change.
It does not strip oxygen from the air.
Strip mining primarily impacts the environment by stripping trees and soil from the earth's surface. This process involves removing the surface layer of vegetation and topsoil to access the mineral deposits beneath. As a result, it destroys habitats and disrupts ecosystems, often leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, strip mining can cause water pollution when rainfall or runoff carries sediments and other pollutants into nearby streams and rivers.