Forests, clouds and soil
Forests play a crucial role with regards to the management of the water cycle. Forests are the factories of clouds. While the structure of roots keeps the soil compact, vegetal organic material in decomposition combines with minerals forming a sort of giant sponge which, following a slow, regular rhythm releases water in surrounding areas. Humidity coming from forests, especially tropical forests, creates clouds and governs microclimates, which also play a role holding moisture. For this reason forests prevent desertification, produce rainfalls and provide freshwater. For example, a big jungle tree can free in the atmosphere about 760 litres of water per day in the form of water vapour, which means that half hectare of primary jungle releases about 75,000 litres, 20 times more than the release occurring on an equivalent marine area.
Forests preserve soil, preventing floods and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and on slopes. Tree roots and vegetation, infact, hold and anchor the soil and humidity keeps humus compact. At the time when trees are cut down, the soil is washed by rainfalls and humus is dispersed by wind.
Special reports
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
-
22 September 2015
An artificial paradise under the sea
Artificial reefs are submerged man-made structures fostering marine biodiversity...
10 February 2014
Coral turns pale!
The coral reef is one of the ecosystems with the richest biodiversity...
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
-
1 August 2012
Holidays, yes! but they must be sustainable!
Lately we have been speaking of sustainable behaviours to apply to our daily life...
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
-
22 September 2015
An artificial paradise under the sea
Artificial reefs are submerged man-made structures fostering marine biodiversity...
-
10 February 2014
Coral turns pale!
The coral reef is one of the ecosystems with the richest biodiversity...
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
-
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
From the Multimedia section
Facts
-
Energy from palm trees
Oils that are obtained from palm trees can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels and their use is about…
-
Energy from palm trees
Oils that are obtained from palm trees can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels and their use is about…