The level of which of the following gaseous component increases in the atmosphere because of deforestation ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Deforestation is the process of clearing forests, which results in the reduction of trees that play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down and forests are destroyed, the carbon stored in the trees is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, thereby increasing its concentration. This is why Option 1, Carbon-di-oxide, is the correct answer.

1. **Explanation for Option 1 (Carbon-di-oxide):** Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to produce oxygen and glucose through the process of photosynthesis. When deforestation occurs, not only is this absorption process halted, but the carbon stored in the trees is also released back into the atmosphere as CO2, especially if the trees are burned or left to decompose. This leads to an increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

2. **Explanation for Option 2 (Ozone):** Ozone is a gas that exists in the Earth's stratosphere and plays a vital role in protecting life by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Deforestation does not directly increase the level of ozone in the atmosphere. Ozone levels are more affected by industrial emissions and chemical reactions in the atmosphere rather than deforestation.

3. **Explanation for Option 3 (Water Vapour):** Water vapour is a natural component of the atmosphere and is primarily influenced by temperature and the water cycle, including evaporation and condensation. Deforestation can affect local humidity and water cycles, but it does not directly increase atmospheric water vapour levels on a global scale.

4. **Explanation for Option 4 (Oxygen):** Trees and plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to produce oxygen, potentially leading to a decrease, rather than an increase, in atmospheric oxygen levels. Therefore, deforestation does not cause an increase in oxygen levels.

In summary, deforestation leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere because it reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2 and releases stored carbon back into the air. This makes Option 1, Carbon-di-oxide, the correct answer.