Which effect is a likely direct negative result of deforestation?
lumber products
landslides
land available for building
acid rain
One likely direct negative result of deforestation is landslides. Trees help with soil stability and water retention, and when they are removed, it can lead to soil erosion and instability, especially in mountainous areas. Deforestation can also lead to a loss of biodiversity, contribute to climate change, and decrease the availability of oxygen.
A likely direct negative effect of deforestation is an increased risk of landslides.
To understand why deforestation can lead to landslides, we need to analyze the relationship between trees and the stability of the soil. When trees are removed during deforestation, their root systems, which anchor the soil, are also lost. This leads to an increased soil erosion rate, as rainwater easily washes away the top layer of soil without the tree roots holding it in place.
Soon after deforestation occurs, heavy rainfall can saturate the soil, making it much heavier and more likely to slide downhill. Without the trees acting as a natural barrier, the soil is more vulnerable to collapse, resulting in landslides. These landslides can have devastating consequences, damaging homes, infrastructure, and even causing loss of life.
Therefore, the direct negative result of deforestation that is most closely associated with landslides is the removal of trees and their root systems, resulting in destabilized soil and an increased risk of landslides occurring in deforested areas.