What purpose did the steel cable serve?

What purpose did the steel cable serve?

• A. Chart the river's fluctuations
• B. Build a bridge
• C. Tie a rope for crossing
• D. Mark the campsite

Answer: (A)

Using a fixed steel cable across a river provides a stable reference for watching how the water level and current change over time. By anchoring the cable, the traveler has a constant point to observe—how high the river rises and how the flow shifts with rain or melt. Markers or simply the water’s reach along the cable over days and hours let him chart fluctuations, which informs when crossing might be safer or too dangerous. This measuring purpose fits the situation because it focuses on understanding environmental changes rather than constructing something (like a bridge), simply tying a rope for crossing, or marking a campsite. The cable’s value lies in providing reliable, observable data about the river’s behavior.

Using a fixed steel cable across a river provides a stable reference for watching how the water level and current change over time. By anchoring the cable, the traveler has a constant point to observe—how high the river rises and how the flow shifts with rain or melt. Markers or simply the water’s reach along the cable over days and hours let him chart fluctuations, which informs when crossing might be safer or too dangerous. This measuring purpose fits the situation because it focuses on understanding environmental changes rather than constructing something (like a bridge), simply tying a rope for crossing, or marking a campsite. The cable’s value lies in providing reliable, observable data about the river’s behavior.