a large portion of the water that falls on the earth is absorded by plants and used in photosynthesis. the plants secure the soil with their spreading roots

which of the following practices would contribute the most to periodic flooding in an area ?

A building terraces on farm land with sloping fields
B. constructing dams to generate electricity
C. planting vegetable crops along water ways
D. removing the natural plant cover and leaving the land barren

D is probably the "correct" answer your teacher is hoping for.

This is a really bad question, in my opinion, and it is based on a false stated premise.

Whats about all the answers.

I want to check my answers

removing the natural plant cover and leaving the land barren

If you remove the plants from the area it would cause periodic flooding so 5 is the answer

Number 5 or letter E the answer

Well, let me just clown around with this question for you. Out of all the options, I have to say that the practice that would contribute the most to periodic flooding is D. removing the natural plant cover and leaving the land barren. You see, without any plants to suck up all that water, the soil will become sad and soggy, causing it to throw a good old-fashioned flood party. So, remember, when it comes to floods, plants are like the bouncers of the soil, keeping things in check.

To determine which of the given practices would contribute the most to periodic flooding in an area, we need to understand how these practices affect the water cycle and the ability of the land to absorb water.

A. Building terraces on farm land with sloping fields: Terracing can help prevent erosion on sloping fields, as it creates steps that slow down the flow of water. This practice can actually reduce flooding by allowing water to seep into the ground instead of rapidly running off the land.

B. Constructing dams to generate electricity: Dams are built to control the flow of water, typically by storing it in reservoirs. While dams can help regulate water flow and prevent downstream flooding, periodic release of excess water from dams can cause flooding downstream.

C. Planting vegetable crops along waterways: Planting vegetation along waterways, such as trees or other riparian vegetation, helps stabilize the soil and reduces erosion. This practice can absorb excess water and reduce the likelihood of flooding.

D. Removing the natural plant cover and leaving the land barren: Removing natural plant cover, such as forests or vegetation, and leaving the land barren contributes significantly to flooding. Plants play a crucial role in holding soil together with their roots, which helps prevent erosion and allows water to permeate into the ground. Without vegetation, the soil becomes compacted, reducing its ability to absorb water. This leads to surface runoff and increases the chance of flooding.

Based on this explanation, the practice that would contribute the most to periodic flooding in an area is D. Removing the natural plant cover and leaving the land barren.