Forest Destruction (2)

Some of the water reaching the forest floor penetrates into the soil through the litter and the loose soil surface, and there is little surface run-off. It is only after some period of time that the seeped water reaches the streams and rivers. This time lag is an important device to regulate the water discharge into rivers, and in this way, flooding is prevented or minimized. On the other hand, in dry periods also the forest soil continues to supply water slowly to the streams and rivers.