Question

Some coral reefs off the east coast of South America are starting to die off. Satellite images reveal great plumes of sediment washing out of the mouths of rivers. What can you conclude, if anything, about the relationship between these two factors?

Answer 1

deforestation on land allows erosion to wash away topsoil which smothers the coral reefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided within the question it can be said that the most likely deforestation on land allows erosion to wash away topsoil which smothers the coral reefs. This causes them to die off since, like humans, coral reefs use oxygen through the process of respiration, which allows them to release carbon dioxide into the ocean and atmosphere and continue living. Smothering them would prevent them from performing this process and eventually die off.