Environmental Impact of Granite Quarrying

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your knowledge about the environmental impact of granite quarrying. It covers topics such as air pollution, water pollution, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: environmental impact granite quarrying air pollution water pollution land degradation biodiversity loss
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What is the primary air pollutant released during granite quarrying?

  1. Carbon monoxide

  2. Sulfur dioxide

  3. Nitrogen dioxide

  4. Particulate matter


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying activities, such as blasting, crushing, and transportation, generate large amounts of particulate matter, which includes dust and fine particles. These particles can cause respiratory problems and contribute to air pollution.

How does granite quarrying affect water quality?

  1. Increases dissolved oxygen levels

  2. Reduces sediment load

  3. Elevates pH levels

  4. Contaminates water with heavy metals


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can contaminate water sources with heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These metals can leach from the exposed granite rock and enter nearby water bodies, posing a risk to aquatic life and human health.

Which of the following is a significant environmental impact of granite quarrying on land?

  1. Soil erosion

  2. Deforestation

  3. Land subsidence

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and land subsidence. The removal of vegetation and topsoil during quarrying exposes the land to erosion by wind and water. Deforestation occurs when forests are cleared to make way for quarrying operations. Land subsidence can happen due to the extraction of large amounts of granite, causing the ground to sink.

How does granite quarrying impact biodiversity?

  1. Enhances habitat diversity

  2. Promotes species migration

  3. Reduces habitat fragmentation

  4. Disrupts ecological balance


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can disrupt the ecological balance by fragmenting habitats, displacing wildlife, and altering ecosystem dynamics. The removal of vegetation and the creation of barren landscapes can lead to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Which of the following is a potential method to mitigate the environmental impact of granite quarrying?

  1. Implementing dust control measures

  2. Adopting sustainable quarrying practices

  3. Restoring quarried areas

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mitigating the environmental impact of granite quarrying involves a combination of strategies, including implementing dust control measures to reduce air pollution, adopting sustainable quarrying practices to minimize waste and environmental damage, and restoring quarried areas to promote ecological recovery.

What is the primary source of noise pollution during granite quarrying?

  1. Blasting

  2. Crushing

  3. Transportation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying activities, such as blasting, crushing, and transportation of materials, generate significant noise pollution. Blasting operations produce loud explosions, while crushing and transportation activities contribute to noise levels in the surrounding environment.

How does granite quarrying affect the visual landscape?

  1. Enhances scenic beauty

  2. Creates unique geological formations

  3. Preserves natural heritage

  4. Degrades aesthetic value


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can degrade the aesthetic value of the landscape by creating large-scale excavations, scars, and barren areas. The removal of vegetation and the alteration of natural landforms can diminish the visual appeal of the surrounding environment.

Which of the following is a potential health risk associated with granite quarrying?

  1. Exposure to silica dust

  2. Inhalation of heavy metals

  3. Ingestion of contaminated water

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can pose health risks to workers and nearby communities. Exposure to silica dust during quarrying activities can lead to respiratory problems, including silicosis. Inhalation of heavy metals released from quarrying operations can cause various health issues. Ingestion of contaminated water near quarry sites can also pose health risks.

What is the primary method used to extract granite from quarries?

  1. Blasting

  2. Crushing

  3. Drilling

  4. Excavation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Blasting is the primary method used to extract granite from quarries. Explosives are used to break large blocks of granite into smaller pieces, which are then further processed and shaped for various applications.

How does granite quarrying impact soil quality?

  1. Improves soil fertility

  2. Enhances soil structure

  3. Reduces soil erosion

  4. Degrades soil quality


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can degrade soil quality by removing topsoil, exposing subsoil, and altering soil chemistry. The removal of vegetation and the generation of dust and debris can also contribute to soil degradation.

What is the primary purpose of conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before granite quarrying?

  1. To assess the economic feasibility of the project

  2. To evaluate the social impacts of the project

  3. To identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts

  4. To obtain regulatory approvals


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The primary purpose of conducting an EIA before granite quarrying is to identify and assess potential environmental impacts associated with the project. This assessment helps in developing mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate these impacts and ensure environmental protection.

Which of the following is a potential method to reduce the noise pollution generated by granite quarrying?

  1. Using noise barriers

  2. Implementing blasting schedules

  3. Adopting quieter equipment

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reducing noise pollution from granite quarrying involves a combination of strategies, including the use of noise barriers to block sound waves, implementing blasting schedules to minimize noise disturbance, and adopting quieter equipment and technologies.

How does granite quarrying affect the water table?

  1. Raises the water table

  2. Lowers the water table

  3. Has no impact on the water table

  4. Varies depending on the location


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Granite quarrying can lower the water table by disrupting the natural flow of groundwater. The removal of vegetation and the creation of impervious surfaces can reduce water infiltration and recharge, leading to a decline in groundwater levels.

Which of the following is a potential method to restore quarried areas and promote ecological recovery?

  1. Revegetation

  2. Erosion control

  3. Habitat creation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Restoring quarried areas and promoting ecological recovery involves a combination of strategies, including revegetation to re-establish plant cover, erosion control to prevent soil loss, and habitat creation to support wildlife.

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