Final answer:
The type of harvest likely used was clear-cutting or extensive logging, which removed trees and root systems that stabilize soil, making the area susceptible to mudslides during heavy rains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heavy rains can lead to soil erosion and mudslides, especially on slopes where vegetation has been removed. In the scenario described, the type of harvest that led to soil exposure and heightened susceptibility to erosion was likely a clear-cutting or similar extensive logging operation. This practice removes the majority of trees from an area, eliminating the root systems that help to stabilize the soil and absorb excess rainfall. As a result, when heavy rains occur, there is an increased risk of mudslides, as the soil is more easily saturated and destabilized due to the lack of vegetative cover.
Areas with recently harvested lumber may become highly vulnerable to environmental disasters such as mudslides because the protective vegetative barrier has been compromised. Consequently, reforestation and other erosion control methods are vital in harvested areas to prevent future damage and to promote ecological stability. It is also essential to consider methods of sustainable forestry to minimize the risk of such events in the future.