Final answer:
Landslides commonly result in the formation of lakes by blocking rivers or other watercourses. Factors like over-steepened slopes, soil saturation, and seismic activity contribute to the occurrence of landslides. Preventative measures include maintaining vegetation cover to stabilize slopes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Landslides are often responsible for the formation of D) lakes. When landslides occur, they can block rivers or other waterways, resulting in the collection of water behind the natural dam created by the landslide debris. Lakes formed in this manner can be significant, although they may also pose a risk if the natural dam fails and releases a flood of water downstream.
Several factors contribute to landslides, including but not limited to: over-steepened slopes caused by erosion, soil saturation from rainfall or snowmelt, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and excess weight from various sources. These events weaken the stability of slopes, making them susceptible to failure in the form of landslides.
Tree roots play an important role in stabilizing hillsides, thus helping to prevent landslides by holding the soil together. Conservation and proper land management practices, such as avoiding excessive deforestation and maintaining vegetation cover, can mitigate the risks associated with landslides.