Here's a breakdown:

* Surface mining: This broad term encompasses any method that extracts coal from the earth's surface.

* Strip mining: This is a specific type of surface mining that uses large earth-moving equipment to remove overlying layers of soil and rock (called overburden) to expose the coal seam.

Here are some key features of strip mining:

* Large-scale operations: They typically involve moving massive amounts of earth.

* Heavy machinery: Equipment like bulldozers, excavators, and draglines are used to remove the overburden.

* Cost-effective: It's generally less expensive than underground mining for accessible coal deposits.

* Environmental impact: It can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.

Let me know if you have any other questions about coal extraction methods.