Refer to the figure below. If the decrease in evapotranspiration were greater than the increase in albedo and convective heat loss, the climate in a deforested area would be
A) warmer and drier.
B) warmer and moister.
C) cooler and drier.
D) cooler and moister.
E) warmer, but precipitation would not change.

Question

Refer to the figure below.  If the decrease in evapotranspiration were greater than the increase in albedo and convective heat loss, the climate in a deforested area would be
A) warmer and drier. 
B) warmer and moister. 
C) cooler and drier. 
D) cooler and moister. 
E) warmer, but precipitation would not change.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deforestation leads to a decrease in evapotranspiration, which means less water is released into the atmosphere leading to reduced rainfall and drier conditions. However, deforestation also leads to an increase in albedo (reflectivity of the surface) and convective heat loss, both of which result in cooling. If the decrease in evapotranspiration is greater than the increase in albedo and convective heat loss, then the net effect will lead to warming and drying of the climate. Therefore, the best choice is A.

Refer to the Figure Below