Deforestation leads to a decrease in the amount of water absorbed by the soil. Less water seeps down into the soil to recharge the groundwater. This leads to an absence of water available during the dry season and freshwater springs can dry up. Trees also hold water with their vast root systems, by creating air pockets deep in the soil. These pockets hold water during heavy rains.
Forests help regulate the water in the air through a process called transpiration .
They absorb thousands of gallons of water into their roots. The water is carried up through the trunk and into the branches and leaves for food. Excess water and nutrients are then released through the leaves back into the air. When the air becomes saturated with enough moisture, clouds form and if enough moisture is transpired into the air, rain will fall. This begins the water cycle all over again.