By starting with a falsifiable hypothesis and proceeding to gather data and ensure replicability, a scientist can contribute to the potential formation of a(n)

theory

Explanation:

A scientist can contribute to the formation of a theory in a particular subject by conducting research along the line of that subject.

Conducting research requires the formation of a hypothesis and testing the hypothesis by conducting a relevant experiment during which data are gathered, analyzed, and interpreted in order to falsify or accept the hypothesis.

A good experiment must be replicate-able. When the same experiment is repeated by different independent researchers and the same conclusion is arrived at, this could potentially lead to the formation of a theory.

Hence, a scientist can contribute to the formation of a theory by conducting an experiment with replicability in order to test a hypothesis.

explanation:

areas w steep slopes, west coast, rocky mountains, and appalachian mountains

small = small current large mag large current