Question

1. which of the following can cause mass wasting of land?

building on the flood plain
clearcutting on steep slopes
building flood walls for flood control
the overuse of our natural resources

Explanation:

Building on the flood plain is a common cause of mass wasting of land. Flood plains are low - lying areas adjacent to rivers. When buildings are constructed on them, the natural drainage and soil stability can be disrupted. Heavy rainfall or river flooding can then lead to soil erosion and mass movement (mass wasting) as the flood waters can easily wash away the soil under and around the buildings.
Building flood walls for flood control is a measure to prevent flood waters from entering an area, which is more about flood protection rather than causing mass wasting. Clear - cutting on steep slopes is more related to soil erosion and landslides (a type of mass wasting) due to the removal of vegetation that holds the soil in place, but the question asks for the option that "can cause mass wasting of land" and building on flood plains is a more direct human - induced cause related to land use and flood - related mass wasting. The overuse of natural resources is a broad term that may not directly relate to mass wasting of land in the context of this question.

Answer:

Building on the flood plain