Question

the descent of masses of snow from their original positions sometimes happens suddenly in avalanches, but it is usually very gradual in the form of glaciers. also, snow exposed to warmer air ultimately melts and flows away as water. which of the following sentences most likely precedes this excerpt? some of these natural occurrences reduce the amount of snow on the mountainside. some snow always stays on the mountainside. once snow slopes become too steep, the lower layers can no longer remain on the mountainside. each time it snows, more snow accumulates on the mountainside.

Explanation:

The excerpt discusses ways snow leaves its original position (avalanches, glaciers, melting). The preceding sentence should introduce the idea of snow accumulation on the mountainside before talking about its departure. Option D sets up the context by stating that more snow accumulates each time it snows, which then leads to the subsequent discussion of how that snow can move or disappear.

Answer:

D. Each time it snows, more snow accumulates on the mountainside.