![]() ![]() The researchers hope that the study will help people make informed decisions about protecting drinking water. Researchers found that a 14% decrease in forest cover has led to a 9% reduction in precipitation – a clear indicator that forests are essential in maintaining water bodies.Īs we continue to clear forests for agricultural use, it affects the availability of clean water for human consumption. As a result, many people will have a more challenging time accessing clean waters.Īccording to research done in Malawi – an African country with a high deforestation rate, there is a clear link between forest and clean drinking water. This leads to lower water quality and increased costs associated with drinking water treatment. The decrease of forest area increases the rate of soil erosion, resulting in higher sediment flux and turbidity in water. In the absence of tree cover, there is nothing to hold the soil cover. One highly negative impact of deforestation is soil erosion. The effects of deforestation on water quality are prominent. Furthermore, the loss of trees in forests can have climatic consequences. The loss of forests can alter the quality of water in a major way. How Can Deforestation Affect Water Quality? Therefore, while many people might not consider deforestation a significant issue, it is a serious concern. These changes negatively affect agricultural productivity.ĭeforestation is estimated to be the second leading cause after human activity of climate change by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In Texas, deforestation has caused a 25 percent decrease in rainfall. This weakens the rain cycle and creates irregular rainfall patterns. Without transpiration, the water stays in the Earth, which warms the planet and increases energy levels. These layers of vegetation reduce the impact of storms while preventing the flow of runoff and increasing temperature.ĭeforestation decreases the number of trees, which causes the temperatures to rise. Tree layers, branches, roots, and canopy store water and release it into the atmosphere. Trees contribute to the transition of water from earthbound liquid to gas in the atmosphere through the transpiration of their leaves. ![]() Additionally, deforestation decreases precipitation by affecting the aquifer resources. This affects water cycle balance and can lead to drought in critical agricultural areas. When significant numbers of trees are cut down, it disturbs the evaporation level and dries up the moisture needed to continue the water cycle. The evaporation leads to cloud formation, and the water ultimately comes down as rain, kick-starting the whole process again. Each tree acts as a water storage container, absorbing it from the soil and then slowly releasing it through its leaves. Deforestation disrupts the water cycle by altering the transpiration process. While most of the processes are physical, there are also biotic components. The water cycle is the movement of water through the atmosphere. How Does Deforestation Affect the Water Cycle? 3 How Can Deforestation Affect Water Quality?.2 What Does Deforestation Do to The Water Cycle?.1 How Does Deforestation Affect the Water Cycle?. ![]()
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