Question

Describe surface mining as it is practiced in the southern Appalachians.

Short answer

Surface mining in the southern Appalachians, commonly in the form of mountaintop removal mining, involves the removal of the mountain summit to reveal desired minerals. This practice drastically alters the landscape and ecosystems, leading to significant environmental and social impacts such as deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of communities, and health problems due to pollution.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Surface Mining

Surface mining, also known as strip mining, is the practice of extracting minerals and ores from the earth by removing the soil and rock that lies above them. This involves four main steps: preparation, extraction, waste disposal, and reclamation. The choice of mining technique is determined by the properties of the area and the mineral to be mined.

Surface Mining Practices in the Southern Appalachians

In the southern Appalachians, a common form of surface mining is mountaintop removal mining. This involves removing the summit of a mountain to expose the desired deposits. The removed overburden is disposed of in nearby valleys, often leading to alteration of the local landscape and ecosystems. This practice is particularly common in extracting coal seams.

Environmental and Social Impacts

Surface mining in the southern Appalachians has significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. The removal of vegetation and soil exposes the land to erosion and land slides. Additionally, the disposal of waste in valleys can lead to the pollution of water bodies. Socially, these practices can lead to displacement of local communities, and health problems due to polluted water and air.

Key concepts

Mountaintop Removal Mining

The practice of mountaintop removal mining is a stark example of human intervention in the natural environment. Imagine a picturesque mountain landscape in the southern Appalachians, only for it to be transformed by the heavy machinery and dynamite used in this type of mining. This process involves clearing trees, shrubs, and topsoil from the summit of a mountain using explosives to expose underlying coal seams.

The resulting debris, often referred to as 'overburden', is disposed of in neighboring valleys, an act called 'valley fill'. Unfortunately, valley fill can lead to serious environmental issues, such as altering water flow and quality in adjacent streams and rivers. It's particularly important to mention that while this method is efficient for coal extraction, the changes to the landscape are often irreversible, leaving a lasting impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the region.

Environmental Impacts of Surface Mining

Surface mining inherently carves into the Earth's crust, but its ramifications extend far beyond the visible alterations. The environmental impacts are broad, affecting air, soil, water, and living organisms. When the protective layer of vegetation and soil is removed, deforestation takes place, and without roots to anchor the soil, erosion increases, sometimes causing landslides.

Watersheds experience the brunt of these activities as the displaced soil and minerals can pollute water bodies, impacting aquatic life severely. The cascading effects are felt through the food chain and can reduce biodiversity. Furthermore, the air quality in surrounding areas can be compromised due to the dust and pollutants released during the mining process. These impacts are often widespread, affecting not just the immediate area but also regions downstream and downwind of mining sites.

Surface Mining Processes

Understanding the processes involved in surface mining provides insight into the challenges and impacts of this type of extraction. It begins with preparation, which involves clearing the mining site of vegetation and any existing structures. Next, extraction occurs, where the exposed mineral or ore is removed, often using large machinery and sometimes explosives. Following this, waste disposal is critical, as the debris created from mining must be managed in a way that minimizes environmental damage.

Finally, reclamation is the process of restoring the mined land to a usable state, which can include stabilizing the terrain and replanting vegetation. This last step is essential in mitigating some of the environmental impacts of mining and ensuring the land can once again support biodiversity and, where possible, be returned to use for the local community.