Question

which fossil fuel is known for being energy - dense and easy to exploit through surface mining? petroleum natural gas coal solar energy

Explanation:

Coal is a fossil fuel. It has a high energy - density. Surface mining (like strip mining) is a common method for extracting coal, especially for coal deposits near the surface. Petroleum is usually extracted through drilling, natural gas is also extracted via drilling (often associated with petroleum wells or dedicated gas wells), and solar energy is not a fossil fuel.

Answer:

coal