If a large forest is cleared, how can that affect the flow of a river in that area? [Pg. No. 252]

If a large forest is cleared, the flow of a river in that area can become irregular. Trees normally slow down rainwater, help water seep into the soil and maintain groundwater recharge. After deforestation, more rainwater flows quickly over the land as surface runoff, which can cause sudden increase in river flow and floods during heavy rainfall. At the same time, less water seeps underground, so the river may receive less groundwater during dry periods and its flow may decrease. Soil erosion also increases, adding silt to the river and disturbing its normal flow.