Deforestation- Human Changes Flashcards
Before deforestation
Large amounts of precipitation is returned to atmosphere by ET.
Overland flow mineral as most do water reaches forest floor infiltrates into soil and intercepts on plant leave.
Water will then slowly travel underground as through flow - maintained steady flow to river.
After deforestation
Precipitation initially stays the same, but ET levels are now lower because replacement of vegetation has smaller leaves / roots / less dense.
Overland flow and through flow occur more rapidly because lack of interception - more discharge/ flashiness - flooding
What type of feedback does deforestation generate ?
Positive feedback
As low ET means much water leaves the area in river channel rather than being recycled continuously between the forest and atmosphere.
Less water vapour left available in atmosphere for precipitation - so precipitation levels fall.
Less water gets to river , flow reduced
