Question

What effect can deforestation have on groundwater? Give reasons.

Answer 1

Deforestation leads to the depletion of water table. The trees help in prevention of running of water by allowing the soil to absorb the flowing water. This water percolates down and groundwater level rises. However, when trees are cut, water runs off quickly as soil is unable to absorb the flowing water. Thus, water does not percolate down and groundwater level depletes.