Question

Which of the following best explains why deforestation increases the risk of floods in an area?
a.
Tree leaves catch and retain rain water.
b.
Trees block the free flow of water.
c.
Deforestation increases precipitation.
d.
Tree roots improve soil water retention.

Answer 1

d. Tree roots improve soil water retention.

Roots increase soil porosity and organic matter, enhancing infiltration and storage of rainfall. Removing trees reduces infiltration and increases surface runoff, which raises flood risk.