Explain, with reference to example(s) that you have studied, how human activities have impacted on the operation of any one of the following surface processes: ➢ Mass movement processes ➢ River processes ➢ Coastal processes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2011

Deforestation reduces vegetation cover, which stabilizes the soil. Without this cover, there is greater susceptibility to landslides and mudflows, especially in hilly regions.

An example of this is the deforestation observed in the Andes Mountains of South America.

The impact of deforestation on mass movement processes can be illustrated through the following points:

1. Increased Soil Erosion: The removal of trees exposes soil to wind and rain, which accelerates erosion rates significantly. For instance, studies have shown that areas that have undergone deforestation can experience up to 10 times more erosion compared to forested areas.

2. Landslides: Particularly in mountainous regions like the Andes, heavy rainfall can trigger landslides in deforested areas, causing devastating impacts on local communities and ecosystems.

3. Altered Water Drainage: Trees play a crucial role in managing water cycles; their removal can lead to altered drainage patterns. This might result in some areas experiencing more frequent flooding and others facing drought.

4. Habitats and Biodiversity Loss: The disruption of vegetation not only affects soil stability but also destroys habitats for various species, thus impacting local biodiversity.

5. Sustainable Practices: Implementing reforestation and sustainable land management practices can mitigate these impacts by restoring vegetation coverage and stabilizing the soil, ultimately lessening the frequency and intensity of mass movements.

6. Broader Implications: The consequences of increased mass movement due to deforestation extend beyond environmental degradation; they affect economic stability, disrupt human settlements, and can lead to loss of life during extreme events such as landslides.

In conclusion, human activities like deforestation significantly alter natural processes, illustrating the interconnectedness of environmental and socio-economic factors.