If a forested area surrounding a stream is cleared of trees, what has been found to happen to the stream?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a forested area surrounding a stream is cleared of trees, several changes occur that affect the stream. The removal of trees leads to an increase in the export of nutrients from the soil because there are no longer tree roots to absorb these nutrients. This can result in greater rates of soil and rock weathering as the protective cover of vegetation is removed, exposing soil and rocks to more intense weathering processes. Additionally, with the absence of trees, there is increased runoff of water from the soil to the stream because trees normally help to absorb and retain water, reducing runoff. Finally, greater rates of chemical leaching from the soil to the water occur because the removal of vegetation increases the movement of chemicals from the soil into the stream. All these factors contribute to changes in the stream's ecosystem and water quality.

If a Forested Area Surrounding a Stream Is Cleared of Trees