What is an earthen structure built on hillsides to prevent erosion called?

The structure built on hillsides to prevent erosion is known as terraces. Terracing involves creating a series of flat areas or steps on sloped land, which helps to reduce soil erosion by slowing down water runoff. This practice allows water to soak into the soil more effectively, reducing the speed at which it flows, thus preventing soil being washed away.

Terraces can also make farming on steep slopes more manageable and productive. They can enhance agricultural yield by creating microclimates that can retain moisture and improve the effectiveness of irrigation. This method has been utilized for centuries in various cultures around the world for its effectiveness in soil conservation and agricultural productivity.

In contrast, embankments are structures built to contain or redirect water, typically found along rivers or roads. Retaining walls are used to hold back soil and stabilize slopes but are not specifically designed to create flat land for cultivation. Drainage ditches are excavated trenches designed to improve water flow and prevent waterlogging but do not create a step-like structure on hillsides.