Which long-term consequence results from the construction of inadequately designed agricultural terraces on steep slopes?

💡 Explanation

When terraces are poorly designed, accelerated erosion occurs because destabilized soil bypasses intended retention mechanisms, removing topsoil during intense rainfall, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. Therefore, topsoil depletion is the correct answer, rather than decreased sunlight, waterlogging, or nutrient leaching, which depend on other factors like shading, excessive water, or significant chemical changes.

• Which soil characteristic primarily allowed Aztec chinampas to sustain continuous maize cultivation?
• Which benefit was deliberately achieved via the construction of chinampas by the Aztecs in Mesoamerica?
• Which consequence resulted when Roman aqueduct channels exceeded design capacity downstream?
• Which mechanism caused timber-framed fortifications like motte-and-baileys to degrade relatively quickly?
• Which outcome occurs when ancient bronze-smiths quenched rapidly as-cast bronze objects in cold water?
• Which agricultural outcome influenced urban development of the Aztec civilization using chinampa cultivation?