What natural occurrence can strip mining exacerbate in the environment?

Strip mining, which involves removing surface layers of soil and rock to access underlying minerals, can significantly disrupt local ecosystems and hydrology. The correct choice regarding an environmental occurrence exacerbated by strip mining is flooding.

When land is strip-mined, vegetation is cleared, and the soil structure is altered or removed. This process reduces the land's ability to absorb rainfall, which can lead to increased surface runoff. The absence of vegetation means there are fewer roots to hold the soil in place, further contributing to erosion. This combination makes the area more susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall, as water cannot be effectively absorbed into the ground. Moreover, the disruption of natural water courses and drainage patterns due to modified landscapes can lead to further flooding issues.

While the other options such as desertification, soil fertility, and wildfires are environmental concerns, they are not directly exacerbated by strip mining in the way that flooding is.