The correct answer is: B) Soil erosion.
Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides forest. This can include clearing the land for agriculture or grazing, or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing.
Soil erosion is the process by which soil is removed from the land by the action of wind or water. It is a natural process that can be accelerated by human activities, such as deforestation.
When trees are removed, the soil is no longer protected from the elements. This can lead to the soil being washed away by rain or blown away by wind. Soil erosion can also be caused by activities such as farming, mining and construction.
Soil erosion can have a number of negative impacts, including:
- Loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil.
- Reduced crop yields.
- Increased flooding and sedimentation.
- Damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.
- Loss of biodiversity.
Deforestation is a major cause of soil erosion. In some areas of Karnataka, deforestation has led to severe soil erosion. This has had a number of negative impacts, including the loss of topsoil, reduced crop yields, increased flooding and sedimentation, and damage to infrastructure.
To reduce soil erosion, it is important to protect forests. This can be done by planting trees, reducing deforestation, and managing forests sustainably.