The statement most accurately describes this excerpt is that it contains two dependent <u>clauses</u> and one independent clause.
<h3>What are dependent and independent clauses? </h3>
An independent clause is the main clause which is the subject and verb as well as complete as the sentence. However, the dependent clause is incomplete and<u> cannot stand alone</u>.
Therefore, "<u>after a strenuous climb</u>" and "<u>night was approaching rapidly</u>" are dependent clauses that become absolute due to the independent clause that is "hikers decided to make camp before reaching the summit."
Learn more about the clause here:
brainly.com/question/1861702
properly constructed sentence
