Question

Give reasons why floods are more likely to occur in areas devoid of forests?

Answer 1

Deforestation plays several roles in the flooding equation because trees prevent sediment runoff and forests hold and use more water than farms or grasslands. Some rainwater stays on the leaves, and it may evaporate directly to the air (the more water used in the watershed, the less remains to run off). Leaves reduce raindrop impact, and gentler rain causes less erosion. Tree roots absorb water from the soil, making the soil drier and able to store more rainwater. Tree roots hold the soil in place, reducing the movement of sediment that can shrink river channels downstream. Hence deforestation can cause flooding.