The photograph shows a forest that is being cut down for lumber and fuel.
How will deforestation most likely affect the amount of groundwater in this ecosystem?
a
Deforestation will decrease the amount of groundwater because more surface water will run off of the deforested area.
b
Deforestation will increase the amount of groundwater because less surface water will evaporate from the deforested area.
c
Deforestation will increase the amount of groundwater because less groundwater will be absorbed by organisms that live in trees.
d
Deforestation will decrease the amount of groundwater because more groundwater will be exposed to evaporation.
a. Deforestation will decrease the amount of groundwater because more surface water will run off of the deforested area.
When trees are cut down, their root systems that help to absorb and retain water are removed, leading to increased surface water runoff and less water percolating into the ground to recharge groundwater supplies. This can result in reduced groundwater levels and negatively impact the overall ecosystem.