Red Seal Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Practice Exam

How can excavation affect erosion in an area?

1. It can completely prevent erosion

2. It has no effect on erosion

3. It can accelerate erosion

4. It can restore soil structure

The correct answer is: It can accelerate erosion

Excavation can significantly accelerate erosion in an area due to the disturbance of soil and vegetation. When land is excavated, the natural cover provided by plants and the topsoil is often removed. This exposure increases the vulnerability of the soil to wind and water erosion because there are fewer barriers to slow down the movement of these elements. Furthermore, the act of excavating can create loose piles of soil and alter the landscape, which may lead to increased runoff during rain events. As water flows over the bare surfaces more rapidly, it can carry away topsoil and other materials. The combination of these effects means that areas where excavation has occurred can experience a much higher rate of erosion compared to unexcavated sites. The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between excavation and erosion. While it's not possible for excavation to completely prevent erosion, it also cannot restore soil structure, as excavation typically disrupts it. Additionally, stating it has no effect is misleading since the impacts of disturbance are well-documented in soil science.