When deforestation occurs in an area, what immediate effect does this have on the water cycle?

Question

Responses
A More water is returned to the atmosphere.More water is returned to the atmosphere.
B There is less runoff water, but more transpiration.There is less runoff water, but more transpiration.
C More precipitation is formed, because there is more evaporation.More precipitation is formed, because there is more evaporation.
D More runoff water is created, and less is returned to the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The immediate effect of deforestation on the water cycle is best described by option:

D: More runoff water is created, and less is returned to the atmosphere.

When trees are removed, there are fewer roots to absorb water and less foliage to facilitate transpiration, which ultimately leads to increased runoff and decreases the amount of water that is returned to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration.