Question

complete the activity to practice what you have learned.
how does mining impact air quality?
select the three correct answers.
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□ explosions to loosen rock send dust and debris into the air.
□ vegetation is cleared, leaving dirt exposed.
□ excavation machinery emits greenhouse gasses.
□ leftover materials are placed in tailing ponds.

Explanation:

1. For "Explosions to loosen rock send dust and debris into the air": Mining explosions release particulate matter (dust, debris) into the atmosphere, directly reducing air quality by increasing airborne particles.
2. For "Vegetation is cleared, leaving dirt exposed": Clearing vegetation exposes soil, which can be eroded by wind, sending dust into the air and degrading air quality.
3. For "Excavation machinery emits greenhouse gasses": Mining equipment (like excavators) burns fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases (e.g., CO₂) and other pollutants (e.g., NOₓ) that harm air quality.
4. For "Leftover materials are placed in tailing ponds": Tailing ponds are for liquid/solid waste storage and do not directly impact air quality (they affect water/soil), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Explosions to loosen rock send dust and debris into the air, B. Vegetation is cleared, leaving dirt exposed, C. Excavation machinery emits greenhouse gasses