AP®︎ Environmental Science: Topic 5.9 Practice Test
Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with focused practice questions on Topic 5.9 of AP Environmental Science – Impacts of Mining.
Questions List
Topic 5.9
Question 1 Easy
This question tests the following: EIN-2.K
What is the main purpose of mining?
What You’re Being Tested On:
Explore the learning objectives taken directly from the College Board’s AP® Environmental Science Curriculum. Ensure you’re prepared for the exact topics covered on the AP® exam, in-class tests, and quizzes, and gain confidence in your mastery of the material.
Topic 5.9: Impacts of Mining
Learning Objective: EIN-2.K
Describe natural resource extraction through mining.
Essential Knowledge: EIN-2.K.1
As the more accessible ores are mined to depletion, mining operations are forced to access lower grade ores. Accessing these ores requires increased use of resources that can cause increased waste and pollution.
Essential Knowledge: EIN-2.K.2
Surface mining is the removal of large portions of soil and rock, called overburden, in order to access the ore underneath. An example is strip mining, which removes the vegetation from an area, making the area more susceptible to erosion.
Learning Objective: EIN-2.L
Describe ecological and economic impacts of natural resource extraction through mining.
Essential Knowledge: EIN-2.L.1
Mining wastes include the soil and rocks that are moved to gain access to the ore and the waste, called slag and tailings that remain when the minerals have been removed from the ore. Mining helps to provide low cost energy and material necessary to make products. The mining of coal can destroy habitats, contaminate ground water, and release dust particles and methane.
Essential Knowledge: EIN-2.L.2
As coal reserves get smaller, due to a lack of easily accessible reserves, it becomes necessary to access coal through subsurface mining, which is very expensive.
