Final answer:
Fossil fuels like natural gas and crude oil are extracted through drilling wells or hydraulic fracturing, while coal is extracted via surface and underground mining. Each method has significant environmental considerations, such as potential contamination and ecosystem disruption.
D is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
The extraction of fossil fuels such as natural gas, crude oil, and coal from the earth can occur through different methods. Natural gas and crude oil are often extracted by drilling wells into the earth to reach the deposits. Another method, hydraulic fracturing, involves injecting high-pressure fluids to crack the rock formations and release the gas or oil inside, as seen in option D. As for coal, it is typically extracted through surface and underground mining, where layers of earth are removed to reach coal seams or tunnels are dug to access deeper deposits.
Environmental considerations are extremely important when it comes to extracting fossil fuels. Issues such as groundwater contamination, ecosystem disruption, and contributions to greenhouse gas emissions are significant concerns with practices like fracking and large-scale mining.