5.2

• Direct effects of clear cutting:

  • soil erosion
  • caused by loss of stabilizing root structure
  • removes soil and organic matter from forest
  • deposits sediments in local streams
  • warms water/ increases turbidity
  • increased soil and stream temperatures
  • loss of tree shade
  • deposit of sediment also warms streams
  • flooding and landslides
  • logging machinery compacts soil
  • increased sunlight dries out soil
• tree plantations: areas where the same type of tree is repeatedly planted, grown, and harvested

  • decreased biodiversity
• Benefits provided by the forest:

  • filtration of air pollutants by stomata
  • removal and storage of carbon dioxide
  • habitats for organisms
• Clear cutting environmental consequences:

  • reduces air filtering/carbon storing services
  • releases CO2 stored by trees