Consider the following statements regarding Chile's Atacama salt flat...
Statement 1: Correct. The subsidence in the Atacama salt flat is indeed occurring because the rate of lithium brine extraction exceeds the recharge rate of the aquifers. This imbalance leads to the ground sinking as the extracted salt-rich water is not replenished at a sustainable rate.
Statement 2: Correct. The study has identified that the affected area of subsidence in the Atacama salt flat indeed spans approximately 8 km from north to south and 5 km from east to west. This precise measurement underscores the scale and specific impact of lithium extraction on the landscape.
Statement 3: Correct. Salar de Atacama is noted to have the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources globally. This high concentration makes it a significant site for lithium extraction, contributing to its economic and environmental importance.
All three statements accurately reflect the information provided about the Atacama salt flat and the effects of lithium mining, making Option D: 1, 2 and 3 the correct answer.
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Consider the following statements regarding Chile's Atacama salt flat...
Overview of Lithium Mining in Atacama Salt Flat
The Atacama salt flat, located in Chile, is one of the most significant sources of lithium brine globally. The extraction of lithium, essential for batteries and various technologies, has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding subsidence and aquifer depletion.
Statement 1: Subsidence and Aquifer Recharge
- The rate of lithium brine extraction indeed exceeds the natural recharge rate of the aquifers in the Atacama region.
- This imbalance leads to subsidence, which is the gradual sinking of the land surface, affecting the ecological balance and surrounding communities.
Statement 2: Affected Area of Subsidence
- Studies indicate that the area experiencing subsidence spans approximately 8 km from north to south and 5 km from east to west.
- This specific measurement highlights the significant impact of mining activities on the landscape.
Statement 3: Lithium Concentration in Salar de Atacama
- Salar de Atacama does have the highest lithium concentration among all brine sources worldwide.
- This makes it a prime target for lithium extraction, further straining local water resources and ecosystems.
Conclusion
Given the correctness of all three statements, the answer to the question is:
- **Correct Option: D) 1, 2 and 3.**
The implications of lithium mining on the environment, particularly in the Atacama salt flat, underscore the need for sustainable practices to balance economic benefits with ecological preservation.