Mining And Fracking
By: Olivia and Annalise
Types of Mining
Surface Mining- Mining that takes place above the surface using techniques such as Strip, Open Pit, and Mountain Top Removal
Subsurface Mining- Is a type of mining that takes place underground using techniques such as Slope, Drift, and Shaft
Differences
Surface mining is safer and much easier than Subsurface mining. Due to the sizable amount of top soil that is disturbed, it is more destructive to the environment than other types of mining.
On the other hand, Subsurface mining is more laborious and expensive to excavate. There are also many risks such as low oxygen levels, the accidental release of harmful gases, natural disasters like collapsing of tunnels, and the dangerously high temperatures.
Surface Mining
Strip
The exfoliation of layers of rock over a large area. Some effects include removal of vegetation and disturbance of top soil, hence ruing the ecosystem and leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion.
Open Pit
A cut made in the Earth's surface similar to a Strip, but more of a pit formation. The effects are similar to the effects of strip mining but it disturbs some of the deeper layers of rock instead of ripping up all of the topsoil
Mountain Top Removal
The removal of the peaks of mountains in order to gather natural resources. The effects for this one are rather obvious, you cant take of the top of a mountain without damaging an ecosystem, this takes away a home for plants and the animals that rely on them.
Subsurface Mining
Slope
An inclined cut that runs down to the natural resources. Effects would include removal of soil, removal of vegetation, exposure of harmful gases and vulnerability of collapsing.
Drift
An almost-horizontal corridor in a mine that can be found on the side of a hill. Effects would include vulnerability of collapsing and disturbance of lower layers of rock.
Shaft
Vertical drilling down to the resources. Effects for this type of mining include low oxygen levels, and dangerous collapses.
Fracking
Fracking is the process of drilling and injecting water into ground to release natural gases. The process requires drilling into the surface and pumping water in. Water is then mixed with sand and chemicals to create pressure on the pipes along with gravity. The pipes crack the rock around it and the rock releases gases back up.
Effects
It can release harmful chemicals into the water supply and gases into the atmosphere. It affects the rock around the pipes and puts pressure on the crust.