Functions and Uses of Forests

Forests as watersheds
The bulk of the earth's rainfall is received by mountains, thus forming the headwaters of the land's water distribution channels. As a result, the mountain forests influence the quantity and quality of this precious freshwater resource. For example, forests are usually the best cover for safeguarding water quality from sediments and chemicals.

Flow of water from Forest catachment areas is complex, making generalizations difficult. However, there is evidence to suggest that cloud forests and some older natural forests can increase net water flow. Montane "cloud" or "fog" forests are special kinds of forests that scrape out moisture from the clouds or fog. This water extraction function is in addition to the vertical precipitation received by these forests. Having relatively low water use, these forests add to the water supply of a catchment.

In addition, forest cover can reduce the problem of flooding from many small, frequent storm events in headwater watersheds close to the forest area.


posted by Tan Bing Xiang