One positive benefit of a flood is that new nutrient-rich sediments are deposited on floodplains, which have traditionally been good for farming.

• A. Increases drought
• B. Causes erosion
• C. Nutrient-rich sediments on floodplains
• D. Pollutes water

Answer: (C)

F floods enrich soil by delivering new sediments that settle on floodplains, bringing in minerals and nutrients that plants use. When rivers overflow, they drop silt and other materials onto the surrounding land, creating fresh, nutrient-rich layers that replenish soil fertility. That renewed fertility makes floodplains especially good for farming, which is why this positive benefit is highlighted.

This option is the best because it directly describes how floods can enhance agricultural productivity through nutrient deposition. The other ideas describe drawbacks or neutral effects that don’t capture the positive farming benefit: drought increase would harm crops, erosion is often a negative consequence of floods, and polluted water is also a negative outcome rather than a farming benefit.