Which of the following best describes the relationship of deforestation to sediment load?
A)Forestry waste is often dumped in streams,contributing to the suspended loads.
B)The loss of trees along banks of streams increases stream velocity.
C)Trees provide dissolved sediments to the stream; as trees are removed,the dissolved loads are diminished.
D)Trees roots help ʺanchorʺ soil; as the trees are removed,the soil more readily erodes into the river channels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deforestation leads to soil erosion as the roots of trees, which help to "anchor" the soil, are removed. This increases the sediment load in streams and causes problems such as eutrophication and reduced water quality. Option A is partially true, but it doesn't fully describe the relationship between deforestation and sediment load. Option B is incorrect as the loss of trees along stream banks does not increase stream velocity, but rather reduces it by reducing the roughness of the channel. Option C is also incorrect as trees do not provide dissolved sediments to the stream, but rather filter out sediment and nutrients, and help to maintain water quality.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Relationship of Deforestation