Final answer:
To strip-mine for coal, the topsoil must be removed first(option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
To strip-mine for coal, what must first be removed? The correct answer is a) Topsoil.
Strip mining is a form of surface mining that involves removing layers of soil and rock that cover mineral deposits, such as coal. Before reaching the coal seams, the topsoil must be removed to expose the underlying strata. Once removed, heavy machinery is used to extract the coal.
In reference to the question regarding fracking, option D. High-pressure fluids are injected underground to force out the fossil fuels is the method by which gas and oil are extracted using this technique. Fracking is different from strip mining and does not involve stripping away layers of earth from the surface.
When exploring for aquifers as a hydrogeologist, the goal is to find rocks with great porosity that serve as good reservoirs for groundwater. Sandstone formations often make the best aquifers due to their pore spaces, which allow them to store and transmit water effectively. For evaluating the best layers for water wells, one would ideally label the thicker sections of continuous sand layers within the stratigraphic column.