Geography
Why Cultural Landscapes Develop Terraced Farming Systems on Steep Slopes
Quick fact
Terracing can reduce soil loss by up to 90% compared to conventional farming on similar slopes, allowing civilizations to sustain agriculture for thousands of years in mountainous regions.
Why this is interesting
You've probably seen pictures of the rice terraces in Asia—amazing green staircases. Why would anyone go to so much effort to farm on steep mountainsides instead of flat ground?