Question

Deforestation may lead to floods. Why?

Answer 1

Deforestation:

1. Deforestation can be defined as the large-scale removal of trees from forests (or other lands) for the facilitation of human activities.
2. It is a serious environmental concern since it can result in the loss of biodiversity, damage to natural habitats, disturbances in the water cycle, and soil erosion.
3. If leads to floods.

• Deforestation of sloped lands is often accompanied by landslides, which can be explained by the loss of soil adhesion.
• The extent of erosion is amplified by certain natural calamities such as floods ( the plant litter found on forest surfaces helps reduce the amount of soil washed away).
• Due to deforestation, the water holding capacity of the soil decreases.
• The movement of water through trees into the soil slows down.
• The water gets collected on the surface due to rainfall which results in floods.