Question

Floods can be prevented by
A. Cutting the forests
B. Afforestation
C. Tilling the land
D. Removing the topsoil

Answer 1

Hint:
 A natural calamity that occurs with the overflow of water and submerges a low lying land, it is known as floods. The major cause of flooding may be due to the overflow of water from lakes or other water bodies due to excessive rains, it can also occur with rainwater accumulation due to long-standing rains.

Complete step by step answer:
The practice of planting more trees is known as Afforestation. The roots of the trees bring the soil particles more firmly. This reduces the amount of runoff from the surface by causing an increase in interception and storage. This leads to a decreased river discharge causing the areas less prone to flooding. Additionally planting more trees also prevents erosion of soil by any factor such as wind or water.

Considering the other given options:
Cutting down forests is known as deforestation. The loss of trees causes the surface soil to become loosened and also leads to runoff of water. Leading to an increased likelihood of flooding.
Tilling is the process that is a part of agriculture, where the topmost layer of soil is turned over before the new crops are being planted. This process also leads to loosening of the top layer and leading to an increased chance of flooding.
Removal of the topsoil can be due to either man-made or natural reasons. This process is known as soil erosion. This loosens up the layers and causes excess seepage of water causing floods.

Thus, from the above-given options, the most appropriate answer we could find is B Afforestation.

Note:
The practices which lead to a reduction in the deteriorating effects caused by floods are known as flood control methods. Certain techniques have been in practice for a long time to control floods, such as building dams and reservoirs, replenishing groundwater levels, and building diversion canals.