Which risk increases when the drainage system in ancient Andean terraced fields becomes obstructed?

💡 Explanation

When drainage is obstructed, water accumulates and evaporates at the surface which leads to capillary action drawing salts from the subsoil, causing increased soil salinization. Therefore soil salinization increases, rather than decreased runoff, fewer pests, or decreased temperature, conditions that require efficient drainage and different ecological controls.

• During ancient Mesopotamian irrigation canal construction, which consequence resulted from insufficient compacting of earthen embankments?
• Which environmental consequence occurred in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica when intense terrace farming of maize exceeded capacity?
• Which risk increases when an ancient Incan agricultural terrace experiences sustained freeze-thaw cycles?
• Which long-term outcome frequently resulted from the use of chinampas without proper water management techniques?
• Which effect limited the long-term accuracy of large brass astrolabes designed for horizon astronomical measurements?
• Which agricultural consequence occurred in areas using a chinampa system when prolonged drought reduced water levels?