Question

water cycle
how does deforestation impact the carbon and water cycles?

Explanation:

Deforestation affects the carbon cycle by reducing trees that absorb \( \text{CO}_2 \) (more \( \text{CO}_2 \) in atmosphere, increasing greenhouse effect). For the water cycle, trees' transpiration (releasing water vapor) is reduced, so less moisture for precipitation, and soil water retention decreases (more runoff, less groundwater recharge).

Answer:

• Carbon Cycle Impact: Deforestation removes trees that perform photosynthesis (absorb \( \boldsymbol{\text{CO}_2} \)). Fewer trees mean less \( \text{CO}_2 \) is taken from the atmosphere, increasing atmospheric \( \text{CO}_2 \) (a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change). Also, when trees are burned or decompose, stored carbon is released as \( \text{CO}_2 \), further increasing atmospheric carbon.
• Water Cycle Impact: Trees transpire (release water vapor from leaves). Deforestation reduces transpiration, so less water vapor enters the atmosphere, decreasing cloud formation and precipitation in the region. Also, tree roots and leaf litter help soil retain water; without them, soil erodes, water runoff increases (flooding risk), and groundwater recharge (replenishing aquifers) decreases.