Here's a problem to solve: Surface mining for coal involves removing all the vegetation and rock above the coal being mined. Which two of Earth's subsystems are most immediately affected by surface mining?

Among the 4 following options, which is the correct answer?

- A: lithosphere and atmosphere
 
- B: biosphere and hydrosphere
 
- C: lithosphere and biosphere
 
- D: atmosphere and hydrosphere
 