Question

map view of river system with different sediment loads two branches of a river have different sediment loads 14 mark for review based on the diagram, which of the following most likely led to the differences in the amount of sediment in the two branches of the river? a the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture b effluent from a sewage treatment plant c deforestation from clear - cutting d use of heavy equipment in building construction

Explanation:

To determine the cause of different sediment loads, we analyze the options:

• Option A (fertilizers) affects water quality (e.g., eutrophication) more than sediment.
• Option B (sewage effluent) impacts water pollution (pathogens, nutrients) but not sediment load.
• Option C (deforestation via clear - cutting) removes trees, which are crucial for holding soil. Without tree roots and vegetation, soil erosion increases, leading to more sediment in the river. The diagram shows one branch with high sediment (likely from an area with deforestation, less tree cover) and another with low (more trees).
• Option D (heavy equipment in construction) causes local sedimentation but is less likely to create such a consistent difference between two river branches (unlike large - scale deforestation affecting entire watersheds).

Answer:

C. Deforestation from clear - cutting