Which mechanism caused ancient Andean terraced agriculture to prevent catastrophic soil loss during intense rainfall?

💡 Explanation

When intense rainfall occurs, hydraulic head reduction by level breaks arises as each terrace level interrupts the vertical flow of water downhill, dissipating energy and reducing erosion because downward momentum decreases. Therefore soil loss is prevented, rather than increased capillary action, root binding or raised albedo, each requiring very different agricultural actions.

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