Which of the following geological features might indicate a higher risk of landslides?

The presence of sloping terrains is a key indicator of a higher risk of landslides due to the gravitational forces acting on the soil and rock materials. Slopes that are steep or have undergone weathering can weaken the structural integrity of the land, making it more susceptible to movement, especially during heavy rainfall, seismic activity, or rapid snowmelt.

In sloped areas, the weight of vegetation, loose debris, and moisture can supersede the frictional forces holding materials in place, leading to potential slope failures. Landslides are more likely to occur when the angle of the slope exceeds a certain threshold, particularly if there's been a prolonged period of heavy rainfall that saturates the slope's material.

In contrast, flat plains, ocean shorelines, and desert areas typically do not exhibit the same degree of landscape instability as sloping terrains. Flat plains generally provide an even distribution of load and lack the steep angles that contribute to landslide activity. Similarly, ocean shorelines may be influenced more by erosive processes and wave action rather than landslide dynamics, while arid desert environments typically have less vegetation and moisture to destabilize slopes. Therefore, sloping terrains present a clear and greater risk for landslides compared to these other geological features