Relative Humidity increases with lower temperatures, increased shading, and decreased wind, as well as increased evaporation from soils and plants. Light decreases from forest perimeters into the interior. Species composition changes often accompany light gradients. In older forests, such as the wooded ravines around Indian Lake, this effect is complicated by light gaps created when large trees die. Wind speed decreases as the complex structures in forests absorb wind energy.
Water runoff decreases as tree leaves and forest soils intercept and absorb rain.
Soil Compaction decreases due to the cushioning effect of rain interception and the high carbon content of forest soils. Soil Moisture increases due to the slow release of rain water, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity. Air Pollution can be absorbed in forest canopies, although not with impunity. The results will be summarized on these pages.