Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs as a result of the hydrologic cycle. When rainwater falls, it flows downhill as runoff toward an accumulation of water. As it flows, the water can carry away the topsoil of a field. Topsoil is the top layer of soil that contains a high concentration of nutrients to support plant growth.

Question

Scientists are designing an investigation to determine changes that occur in a forest that has been cleared. As part of their investigation, they want to collect data about soil erosion. Which investigation best provides data on soil erosion?
A.
count the number of trees that grew in the area before it was cleared
B.
measure the depth of topsoil before and after rainstorms
C.
determine the amount of nutrients found in the topsoil of other forests
D.
test rainwater to evaluate the amount of acid rain in the area

Answer 1

The investigation that best provides data on soil erosion would be:

B. measure the depth of topsoil before and after rainstorms.

This option directly addresses changes in the topsoil layer as a result of rain, which is relevant to understanding soil erosion in the cleared forest area. Measuring the depth of topsoil before and after rainstorms allows the scientists to quantify the amount of soil being eroded due to runoff, thus providing valuable data on the extent of soil erosion occurring in that environment.