Based on the text, why might the California's Division of Safety of Dams have

ordered in 2001 that the Calaveras Reservoir be kept at no more than 40%

full?

(A) to limit the potential flooding damage that could be caused if an

earthquake happens and the dam spills over

(B) to increase the potential flooding damage that could be caused if an

earthquake happens and the dam spills over

(c) to limit the amount of water being used during a ume when the state was

experiencing a drought

(D) to decrease the chances of an earthquake taking place and causing the

dam to spill over

The correct answer is A)

To limit the potential flooding damage that could result if an earthquake happens and the dam spills over

Explanation:

According to the text, seismic risks are very high for dams in that region. One of the reasons is that some of the dams were built many years ago when civil engineers didn't have information about what an earthquake could do to dams.

Citing an occurrence that happened in 1899 as an example where thousands of people were killed as a result of a failed dam, it is feared that should same reoccur, the loss may be more because about 300,000 people occupy the flood zone along the Alameda Creek below the dam.

Cheers!