MCQ Detailed View

Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees and forests for human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and logging. One of the major consequences of deforestation is a decrease in rainfall. Forests play a critical role in maintaining the water cycle. Trees absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. This moisture combines with evaporation from soil and water bodies to form clouds, which eventually leads to rainfall.

When forests are destroyed, this natural recycling of moisture is disrupted. With fewer trees, less water vapor enters the atmosphere, and as a result, cloud formation decreases, leading to reduced rainfall in the region. This is why areas that once had thick forests often turn drier and sometimes even face desertification after deforestation.

Rainfall reduction has a chain reaction of harmful effects. Lower rainfall leads to reduced soil moisture, making agriculture more difficult. It can also decrease groundwater recharge, leading to water shortages. Ecosystems that depend on consistent rainfall, such as wetlands and rivers, also suffer when forest cover is lost.

Other problems linked to deforestation include increased soil erosion, higher risk of landslides, and loss of soil fertility. However, in the context of this question, the specific environmental factor that decreases directly as a result of deforestation is rainfall.

This concept falls under Environmental Science, as it deals with the relationship between forests, the atmosphere, and the global climate. Understanding the role of forests in rainfall patterns is essential for appreciating why conserving forests is not only important for biodiversity but also for maintaining a stable and healthy climate.