Historical Evidence

Question 1

Siltation from soil erosion in uplands resulted in sedimentation that clogged irrigation canals and depopulated cities

Answer 1

Bablylon/Iraq

Question 2

Flooding of delta with sediment-rich water-maintained soil productivity for over 6000 years.

Answer 2

Nile Valley, Egypt

Question 3

Villages in uplands were abandoned due to the loss of topsoil. Where terraces are present, some agriculture remains. The rate of abandonment of land reflects the loss of topsoil.

Answer 3

Judea/Israel

Question 4

Topsoil lost by erosion. Area is depopulated desert.

Answer 4

100 Dead Cities/Syria

Question 5

Forests of cedar cleared for agriculture on steep slopes. Soil erosion denuded of topsoil except where rock walled terraces built and maintained from bottom to the top of slopes.

Answer 5

Lebanon terraces

Question 6

Mountains kept barren of cedars by grazing livestock

Answer 6

Lebanon livestock

Question 7

Riverbeds built high above flood plain by deposition of silt eroded from headwaters, resulting in the risk of flooding and death.

Answer 7

China Yellow River

Question 8

Gullies 600 feet deep caused by erosion

Answer 8

China Loess Plateau

Question 9

Great agricultural areas with olive groves are now covered in wind deposits, overgrazing of vegetation, causing runoff and soil erosion, and lowering water table is likely cause.

Answer 9

Timgad, Algeria (North Africa)

Question 10

Terraces have sustained production cultivation of 2500 years on slopes up to 100%.

Answer 10

Southern France

Question 11

Large-scale deforestation since 1950’s resulted in serious damage to slopes and burying of rice fields in valleys.

Answer 11

China Forests

Question 12

Experts in soil and water conservation. Built bench terraces 3-10 feet tall using stone.

Answer 12

Incas of Peru

Question 13

Complex systems of bench terraces, dams and diversions.

Answer 13

Maya /Central America Southern Mexico