Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

The Calibration and Use of Capacitance Sensors to Monitor Stem Water Content in Trees
Published on: December 27, 2017
Landscape hydrology. The hydrological legacy of deforestation on global wetlands
C Woodward1, J Shulmeister2, J Larsen2
1School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, Chamberlain Building, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia. c.woodward1@uq.edu.au.
Abstract:
Increased catchment erosion and nutrient loading are commonly recognized impacts of deforestation on global wetlands. In contrast, an increase in water availability in deforested catchments is well known in modern studies but is rarely considered when evaluating past human impacts. We used a Budyko water balance approach, a meta-analysis of global wetland response to deforestation, and paleoecological studies from Australasia to explore this issue. After complete deforestation, we demonstrated that water available to wetlands increases by up to 15% of annual precipitation. This can convert ephemeral swamps to permanent lakes or even create new wetlands. This effect is globally significant, with 9 to 12% of wetlands affected, including 20 to 40% of Ramsar wetlands, but is widely unrecognized because human impact studies rarely test for it.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
The Water Cycle
Threats to Biodiversity
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Global Climate Change
Habitat Fragmentation

