Which statements accurately compare the environmental impact of surface mining to the environmental impact of underground mining? Select the two correct answers.

Underground mining causes more issues with dust and particulates than surface mining.

The risk of sinkholes is higher in surface mining than in underground mining.

Both surface mining and underground mining risk causing severe water pollution.

Surface mining causes more destruction of land ecosystems than underground mining.

There is a higher risk of release of dangerous gases in surface mining than in underground mining.

Both surface mining and underground mining risk causing severe water pollution.

Surface mining causes more destruction of land ecosystems than underground mining.

Explanation:

Surface mining (also called open-cast mining) largely destroys ecosystems because it involves the removal of the top layers of soil to access the minerals which are on the surface or close to the surface. This destroys the vegetations, and microorganisms along with their habitats. This also exposes the bare surface to surface runoffs from precipitation that carry harmful substances to water bodies causing pollution. While underground mining may not have as severe effects on the ecosystem, it may expose underground aquifers to pollutants.