Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The textbook states that soil formation and erosion are simultaneous processes normally in balance, but certain human activities disturb this balance and accelerate erosion:

1. Deforestation: Removal of trees exposes the soil surface. Without root systems to bind the soil and canopy cover to break rainfall impact, running water and wind easily wash or blow the topsoil away.

1. Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by cattle strips the vegetation cover from land. With no plant roots to hold soil particles together, the bare surface becomes highly vulnerable to wind and water erosion.

1. Defective/Wrong methods of farming (Ploughing up and down the slope): When fields are ploughed up and down a slope, furrows act as channels that direct rainwater to flow rapidly downhill, cutting through the soil and carrying the topsoil away quickly.

1. Construction and Mining: Mining leaves deep scars and overburden on land. Dust from mineral processing settles on soil and reduces infiltration, while construction strips vegetation, leaving soil exposed to erosive forces.

(Any three of the above are sufficient for full marks.)

Source: Resources and Development, Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

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• The question asks for three activities with mechanisms — so each point must name the activity AND explain how it causes erosion. Marks are split: likely 1 mark per activity + mechanism (3 × 1) + 2 marks for overall accuracy/structure.
• The passage explicitly lists: deforestation, overgrazing, construction, mining, and defective farming — stick to these.
• Avoid vague statements like "it harms the soil." Say how: loss of root binding, channelling of water, loss of vegetation cover, etc.
• Writing four and telling the examiner to pick three is safe strategy — but in board exams, write exactly three clearly to save time.