In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
- Terrace cultivation
- Deforestation
- Tropical climate
Smart Elimination
Clue in question: Problem of soil erosion → think about human-induced or natural causes that remove topsoil.
• Terrace cultivation → designed to prevent soil erosion on slopes, not cause it → eliminate.
• Deforestation → removes tree cover → exposes soil → major cause of erosion → keep.
• Tropical climate → climate alone does not cause erosion; it may accelerate if combined with deforestation → standalone tropical climate → eliminate.
Potential Trap
Solution vs Problem: Terrace cultivation is a method to *prevent* erosion, not a cause. Tropical climate is a natural feature, not a 'problem' in itself, though heavy rain causes erosion, 'Tropical Climate' as a blanket term is usually not the answer compared to direct causes like Deforestation.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: BThe correct answer is Option B.
Explanation:
- Terrace Cultivation: This is a conservation measure adopted in hilly areas to check/reduce soil erosion. It is not the cause of the problem.
- Deforestation: This is the primary cause of soil erosion as roots no longer hold the soil, and canopy removal exposes soil to rain impact.
- Tropical Climate: While heavy rains in the tropics contribute to erosion, the 'problem of soil erosion' is usually framed around anthropogenic factors. Furthermore, simply having a tropical climate isn't the 'problem'; the mismanagement of land (deforestation) under that climate is.
The key provided is B (2 only), emphasizing Deforestation as the direct problematic cause.
Value Addition
- Sheet Erosion: Removal of thin top layer.
- Gully Erosion: Formation of deep channels (e.g., Chambal Badlands).
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Foundational question based on core concepts.