Earth Science Final Project

Deforestation and Human Impact on Earth's Natural Systems

By: Allie Davidson; Earth Science 100; March 22, 2025

Deforestation Definition:

Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing forests or wooded areas by human activities (Varrial 2023).

My Hypothesis:

Deforestation alters Earth's natural systems in many ways, leading to a huge decline in ecosystem services that support our well-being.

How does Deforestation impact the Natural Processes of Earth's Minerals and Rocks?

Deforestation impacts the minerals and rocks by destabilizing the soil which increases erosion and reduces soil nutrients. Increasing erosion reduces water quality (Resource Extraction 2020).

How does Earthquakes impact deforestation?

When an earthquake happens in a dry forest, the trees benefit. The earthquake makes cracks in the ground like irrigation channels, allowing rainwater to get down deeper into the soil than it could before. When earthquakes occur in humid forests however, to much water can be bad for the trees. The large amount of water can cause erosion and leach away nutrients the trees need.

How does Deforestation impact the natural processes of Earth's water and water systems?

Forests help control the water cycle by regulating rainfall and evaporation. Forests also help reduce the impacts from flooding. They do this by blocking the runoff from storms. In turn, this slows down the flow of water. Deforestation weakens this process. This causes irregular rainfall and drought and flooding. Deforestation has been shown to impact the rainfall and the water cycle all over the world (Dyjak 2022).

What are the long-term consequences to the Earth as a result of Deforestation?

Deforestation has many effects on Earth. A few are loss of habitat, increased greenhouse gases, water in the atmosphere, and soil erosion and flooding. It also affects Indigenous communities as well. They depend on the forests to sustain their lives. Without the forests, they face hard times (Pachamama.org).

How does deforestation impact the natural processes of Earth's oceans and ocean systems?

A recent study was conducted in Belize. It found that deforestation changes the color and density of run-of entering the ocean. Organic materials from land can flow into the oceans from rivers. This plays an important role in the nutrient and carbon cycles around the world. Deforestation affects the photosynthesizers in our seas (IT, 2021).

How does deforestation impact the natural processes of Earth's atmosphere and atmospheric systems?

Forests play a vital role when it comes to the health of ecosystems and human life. They regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Forests also provide oxygen that many species need in order to survive. When forests are cleared, it means that more carbon will be in the atmosphere. This contribrutes to global warming. It also harms wildlifem disrupts water cycles, and affects the people who rely on the forests for living. When trees are cut down or burned, they stop absorbing carbon. The carbon then is released into the atmosphere (Author,2024).

What are some of the most viable solutions to deforestation?

There are many solutions to deforestation. Here are four of them: 1. Empowering indigenous communites. 2. Encouraging sustainable practices. 3. Using technology and innovation as monitoring systems. 4. Raising awareness and educating the public. (Illuminem, 2025)

What solution do you propose based on what you have learned?

The solution that I propose would be using technology to monitor, prevent, and address deforestation. It seems to be the most productive way to prevent and stop deforestation. Technology can let us monitor, prevent, and address deforestation. The use of drones can help detect and monitor deforestation. If we use the drones and local law enforcement, then we may be able to curb deforestation.

Conclusion and summary

Based on everything that I have learned in this project, I would say that my hypothesis was correct. If deforesation continues, then there will be no habitats for animals, and no natural oxygen for living beings. Deforestation effects everyone. Humans and wildlife. Even the oceans and the minerals in the ground. We need to stop the deforestation before it is to late.

References

• Author, I. (2024, November 28). The effects of Deforestation. Climate Impact Partners. https://www.climateimpact.com/news-insights/insights/effects-of-deforestation/

• Dyjak, A. (2022, July 11). How Does Deforestation Impact Water Quality? Culligan/Hydroviv. https://www.hydroviv.com/blogs/water-smarts/how-deforestation-impacts-water-quality?srsltid=AfmBOoqyWEu53dkwI5toVjk40EE3ui_NOO6Bp4I0-aBio5yn5UOHnSMW

• Effects of Deforestation. The Pachamama Alliance. (n.d). https://pachamama.org/effects-of-deforestation

• Gajbhiye, S. (2024, March 4). Earthquakes Have Long Lasting Impacts on Forests. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-forests/

• Illuminem. (2025, April 17). Solutions to Deforestation: How We Can Work Together for a Greener Tomorrow. Illuminem. https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/solutions-to-deforestation-how-we-can-work-together-for-a-greener-tomorrow.

• IT, S. (2021, July 14). The Link Between Deforestation and the Darkening Seas. https://www.seasidesustainability.org/post/the-link-between-deforestation-and-the-darkening-seas

• Resource Extraction. Understanding Global Change.(2020, September 11). https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/resource-extraction/

• Varrial, A. (2023, June 13). Deforestation: What is it and what does it mean for the planet? Here's what to know. Global Citizen. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/deforestation-explainer-causes-effects-climate/