Question

The difference between the present reservoir, with its silent
sterile shores and debris-choked side canyons, and the
original Glen Canyon, is the difference between death and
life. Glen Canyon was alive. Lake Powell is a graveyard.
Which word best contributes to the author's sad tone?

A. present
B. difference
C. debris-choked
D. life

Answer 1

It would be C. It conveys a theme of sadness with the word choked signifying the canyon is being choked

Answer 2

It would be C its conveys/contribute the authors sad tone