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Human Impact on Land Resources

Human Impact on Land Resources. Chapter 26.2. Mining for Resources Mining refers to the removal of minerals or rock-containing minerals (ores) from the Earth’s crust. 1. Surface mining (strip mining) - used when ore is relatively close to the surface.

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Human Impact on Land Resources

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  1. Human Impact on Land Resources Chapter 26.2

  2. Mining for Resources Mining refers to the removal of minerals or rock-containing minerals (ores) from the Earth’s crust. 1. Surface mining (strip mining) - used when ore is relatively close to the surface. Reclamation - According to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, mining companies are required to restore the land to its original contours and to replant vegetation. http://www.wy.blm.gov/minerals/coal/ Public Domain

  3. 2. Underground mining - causes less surface disruption but is more hazardous to workers. Waste rock (tailings) brought to the surface with the ore often contain toxic chemicals that wash out when it rains. These chemicals often end up in local streams and rivers.

  4. Forestry Deforestation (clear-cutting) - removal of trees from a forest without adequate replanting. - Leads to loss of topsoil through erosion. Selective logging - removal of only designated trees. - More difficult and expensive than clear-cutting.

  5. Urban Development - Construction of homes, businesses, and shopping areas fragment wildlife habitats. - Large areas of concrete and asphalt increase runoff of rainwater, contribute to flooding, and less water soaking into the ground to recharge aquifers.

  6. - Urban development also produces large quantities of solid waste that must be disposed of in landfills. - Clay or plastic liners must be used in landfills to prevent contamination of groundwater when it rains.

  7. Video – Protecting Topsoil (3:06 min) Agriculture - Topsoil is a mixture of rock fragments, dead plant and animal (organic) material, and living organisms. - It can take hundreds or even thousands of years to form. - An abundance of organic material in the soil helps retain moisture and provide nutrients for plants.

  8. - Pesticides used to control insects or weeds can have harmful effects on other beneficial organisms living in the soil. - Pesticides can also contaminate surface or groundwater resources.

  9. Conservation - Many communities are working to conserve land resources by: - offering hazardous waste collection sites. - requiring construction companies to use barriers around site to prevent erosion of topsoil. - requiring mandatory recycling.

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