Question

Our mountain regions are unique and beautiful places. We must preserve them for future generations. One of the most serlous threats to our

mountains is ridgetop development. Large housing developments built on steep slopes and along mountain ridges are unsightly. Also, they
adversely affect the scenic views that draw tourists to our region each year.
Who wants to drive to the mountains to see not the lovely tree-
covered outline of the gently sloping mountain ridges against the sky, but rows of houses jutting from the ridges and slopes with little or no tree
cover between them? With tourism as the biggest industry in our area, maintaining our scenic ridgelines is crucial to continued economic
success here.
Ridgetop development not only detracts from scenic mountain views and
threatens our area's top industry, it also harms the environment.
Stripping large areas to create multiple building sites removes the trees and other plants. These resources provide natural erosion barriers on
steep slopes. Large housing developments on ridges often Increase erosion and runoff into streams and rivers.
What is the purpose of this essay?

Answer 1

d) to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Options:

a) to describe the beautification of mountain ridges and beaches.

b) to chronicle the growth of the economy due to ridgetop tourism.

c) to clarify the role of the city council in protecting the environment.

d) to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development.

The essay exposes the dangers of ridgetop development. Ridgetops are popular for development because of their location, natural beauty, and outlook. Ridgetops aren't safe for development because the soil and rocks can't support massive buildings. After clearing vegetation, they become dangerous due to erosion and landslides. Ridgetop development destroys whole towns and permanently reshapes ridgetops.