Question

question 17 (5 points)
why is open pit mining so devastating to the environment?
a) it exposes dangerous chemicals buried in the earths crust.
b) it releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the air.
c) it causes massive erosion of sand.
d) it completely removes any available topsoil.

Explanation:

Open - pit mining involves the removal of surface material to access underlying ore. This process strips away the topsoil, which is crucial for plant growth and maintaining ecological balance. While it can expose chemicals and cause some erosion, the complete removal of topsoil is a major and defining negative environmental impact. It also doesn't directly release large amounts of carbon dioxide compared to some other industrial processes.

Answer:

D. It completely removes any available topsoil.