Final answer:
The decline of Sumer was due to salinization, droughts affecting crop production, and nomadic invasions, all of which contributed to weakening the civilization. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decline of Sumer can be attributed to a combination of factors, including environmental and social challenges. A leading cause was environmental degradation due to salinization of the soil, a byproduct of intensive irrigation practices which rendered the soil less fertile over time.
In addition, the region experienced droughts that resulted in poor crop production, putting further strain on the Sumerians' ability to sustain their population and social structure. Furthermore, these weakened city-states became more vulnerable to invasions, and records suggest that nomadic invasions were a factor in the decline of Sumerian cities, compounding the troubles faced from environmental issues.