Which mechanism amplifies stream erosion when deforestation occurs on steep slopes within equatorial rainforests?

💡 Explanation

When deforestation occurs, reduced interception of rainfall happens because the canopy is removed, leading to increased direct impact on the soil and lower soil cohesion, culminating in amplified stream erosion. Therefore reduced interception causing decreased soil cohesion amplifies erosion, rather than evapotranspiration, albedo, or orographic lift, which rely on different atmospheric or surface interactions.

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