What kind of event would most likely increase soil erosion?

What kind of event would most likely increase soil erosion?

• A. A period of drought with no rainfall
• B. Planting cover crops
• C. A decrease in rainfall
• D. Increased water runoff from heavy rainfall or removal of vegetation

Answer: (D)

When soil erosion increases, it’s usually because more water is moving soil or the protective cover over the soil is removed. A heavy rainfall event creates a lot of runoff, and if vegetation is gone, there’s nothing to slow or hold the soil in place, so the water can carry soil particles away. That’s why the choice describing increased water runoff from heavy rainfall or removal of vegetation is the best match. The other scenarios don’t fit as well: drought means little rain to wash soil, planting cover crops protects soil and reduces erosion, and a decrease in rainfall lowers the amount of water available to move soil.

When soil erosion increases, it’s usually because more water is moving soil or the protective cover over the soil is removed. A heavy rainfall event creates a lot of runoff, and if vegetation is gone, there’s nothing to slow or hold the soil in place, so the water can carry soil particles away. That’s why the choice describing increased water runoff from heavy rainfall or removal of vegetation is the best match. The other scenarios don’t fit as well: drought means little rain to wash soil, planting cover crops protects soil and reduces erosion, and a decrease in rainfall lowers the amount of water available to move soil.