The flow chart illustrates the consequences of deforestation. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

The given illustration provides information about the effects of deforestation. In general terms, when forests are cut clearly, there are four main immediate effects, which eventually results in flooding, degraded vegetation and a loss of biodiversity. First of all, one of the immediate results of forests being clear cut is that the heavy logging machinery that is used compresses the soil, thus causing the ground to become hard and developing a “baked” texture. When it rains, instead of soaking into the ground, water simply runs off. This causes flooding, which is the first of the two main negative outcomes. The second consequence is the erosion of top soil. Fewer roots are capable of holding the top soil in position. When the trees are being cut, they loose the grip and erosion occurs Thirdly, the risk of deliberate or accidental burning increases and waste woods from the logging is destroyed. Micro-organisms rely on the waste lost and pioneer species move in while the vegetation is reduced. This whole process creates a great loss to the biodiversity. Finally, deforestation leads to lesser moisture returning to the air by plants, causing lesser precipitation. In turn, it gives rise to drought. All of these problems can result in the degradationof vegetation and an increase in the pioneer species, ultimately leading to less biodiversity.