How can construction activities exacerbate soil erosion?

Construction activities can exacerbate soil erosion primarily by removing vegetation and disturbing the soil. When vegetation is stripped away, the natural protection that plants provide to the soil is lost. Roots hold the soil together, reducing the potential for erosion by water and wind. The removal of this vegetation leaves bare soil exposed to the elements, making it more susceptible to erosion.

Disturbing soil during construction can also create loose soil particles that are easily washed away by rain and carried off by runoff. Without the protective cover of vegetation, the soil’s cohesion is significantly weakened, leading to increased erosion rates. This process can result in sediment being transported to nearby waterways, which further affects water quality and aquatic habitats.

In contrast to this correct answer, the options related to increasing plant growth, installing impermeable surfaces, and adding nutrients do not directly contribute to increased erosion. In fact, increasing plant growth would typically reduce erosion potential, while impermeable surfaces can alter water runoff patterns but aren’t a direct cause of increased soil erosion. Adding nutrients might improve soil quality but does not address the physical impacts of vegetation removal and soil disturbance that lead to erosion during construction activities.