Question

question 8 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 8. 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.
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Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Open - pit mining involves removing large amounts of earth, which can expose chemicals (like heavy metals, toxic minerals) that were buried in the earth's crust. These chemicals can then contaminate soil, water, and air.
• Option B: Open - pit mining is not a major source of carbon dioxide release compared to activities like burning fossil fuels. So this is not the main reason for its environmental devastation.
• Option C: Open - pit mining is more about removing rock and mineral - bearing materials, not mainly causing sand erosion. So this option is incorrect.
• Option D: While open - pit mining does disturb topsoil, it does not "completely remove" all available topsoil in a way that is the primary reason for its environmental devastation. The exposure of buried chemicals has more far - reaching environmental impacts.

Answer:

D. It completely removes any available topsoil. (Note: There is an error in the above analysis. The correct answer is D. Open - pit mining, also known as strip mining, involves the removal of large layers of topsoil (the fertile upper layer of soil) to access the underlying mineral deposits. This complete removal of topsoil destroys the natural soil structure, vegetation, and habitats. The exposure of chemicals (Option A) is a secondary impact in many cases, and carbon dioxide release (Option B) is not a primary environmental impact of open - pit mining. Sand erosion (Option C) is not the main issue. The main environmental devastation from open - pit mining is the removal of topsoil which is crucial for plant growth and ecosystem stability.)