4.17 understand the effects of deforestation, including leaching, soil erosion, disturbance of the water cycle and of the balance in atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide

 Reasons of deforestation:

-        Creates new space for farming and agriculture

-        Mining

-        Logging to sell wood which can be used as a fuel

-        To create ingredients

-        Make room for houses

Effects of deforestation:

Leaching:

Since the trees provide a protection cover over the soil, when they are removed, the runoff of water carries dissolved nutrients (they are washed) out of the soil and leaves it infertile. The runoff of water can then leach into a lake and cause eutrophication.

Soil erosion:

Tree roots provide stability; they anchor the soil. When they are removed the soil is left vulnerable and wind or water will be able to wash it away . Without the trees to stabilize the soil structure, landslides are more probable.

Disturbance of water cycle:

Trees are an important part of the water cycle, they are able to regulate water quality and pass on water from the soil back into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. Deforestation causes a disruption of the water cycle

Balance in atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide:

Trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they photosynthesise, after deforestation there is a build up/imbalance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, increasing the carbon dioxide concentration, contributing to global warming. When the trees are burnt, there is additional carbon dioxide being released as well.

Deforestation also causes a loss of habitat for species and desertification.