Potential streamflow changes from forest decline due to air pollution

Abstract

In recent years, serious die-back of forest trees has been reported in western Europe and eastern North America. One presumed cause of the forest decline is air pollution and acid deposition. Concern has been expressed that adverse hydrologic responses might occur in forested watersheds as the result of reduced evapotranspiration and increased discharge. According to one hypothesis, elevated soil-water storage might increase peak flows and cause stream channel damage or downstream flooding. This hypothesis is explored by reviewing the literature, recomputing published data, and simulating the effects of forest removal on streamflow. This study suggests that, although significant increases in water yield may result form a reduction in forest cover, hydrologic changes are un- likely to be large enough to cause downstream damage. This optimistic conclusion is based on the small increases that might be expected with even the most abrupt reduction in forest cover, and the likelihood that changes will be gradual and that pollution-intolerant trees will be replaced by more resistant plants through natural selection

Citation

Rice, R. M.; Lewis, J. 1988. Potential streamflow changes from forest decline due to air pollution. In: Proceedings, INTERPRAEVENT 1988, International Congress on Protection of Habitat from Floods, Debris Flows and Avalanches; 4-8 July 1988; Graz, Austria. Villach, Austria; 1: 51-65.