Which statements accurately compare the environmental impact of surface mining to the environmental impact of underground mining?
1. Surface mining generally has a more significant impact on the environment compared to underground mining due to the larger area of land that needs to be cleared and disrupted.
2. Underground mining can have a smaller footprint and disturb less surface area compared to surface mining, resulting in less disruption to ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
3. Surface mining often leads to the destruction of vegetation, loss of topsoil, and increased erosion, which can have long-lasting negative impacts on surrounding ecosystems.
4. Underground mining can lead to subsidence and ground stability issues, but these impacts are typically localized and may be less severe than the widespread environmental disruption caused by surface mining.