Deforestation and hydrological cycle – UGC NET Question

Large-scale deforestation reduces canopy interception and evapotranspiration, so more rainfall becomes quick surface runoff, increasing erosion and altering streamflow patterns.

Option A:
Incorrect; removal of forests typically decreases infiltration because soils become compacted and less protected by roots and litter.

Option B:
Incorrect; deforestation generally increases, rather than eliminates, the risk of floods by speeding runoff.

Option C:
Correct; it summarises the common pattern of higher surface runoff, reduced evapotranspiration and greater soil erosion after deforestation.

Option D:
Incorrect; significant forest loss almost always changes the hydrological balance, so claiming no change is unrealistic.