Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad

Due Date:
Course code 4655
Geography Of Pakistan-1
Department Pakistan Studies
Subject Pakistan Studies
Marks 100 Marks
Semester First (Autumn 2020)

Assignment Number 01
Tutor Name Shamim Akhtar

Student Full Name Muhammad Ajmal

Student Father Name Muhammad Aslam
University Roll Number CB564139

QNO 1:
HIGHLIGHT THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN MOUNTAIN RANGES OF PAKISTAN IN
DETAILS. ALSO DESCRIBE THE ADVANTAGES OF THESE MOUNTAINS FOR THE CITIZENS
OF PAKISTAN?
ANS
INTRODUCTION
NORTEHRN MOUNTAINS OF PAKISTAN
The northern mountain ranges of Pakistan include Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush. They are
generally higher than the western mountain ranges of Pakistan, the beautiful K-2 reaching 8611meters.
In northern mountains the precipitation is mainly snow and because of the severe climate there are mainly
glaciers not rivers. This is also a low population density region. The western mountains include the Suleiman
range, the Waziristan Hills, Kho I Sufaid, the mountains of Swat and Chitral, and the Kirthar Hills. There are
many spring and limestone ridges. The valleys between the rivers are highly mineralized with irrigation and
farming especially wheat, rice and sugarcane. The passes through these mountains are very important
economically and for communication.
NORTEHRN MOUNTAINS
Mountains in the north are mostly snow-capped high rise peaks, there are passes and gorges all over the high
mountains. The foothill valleys involve numerous lakes and fall, from places to scarce to high vegetation, harsh
winter includes heavy snowfall and cool air is blown through the mountains.
WESTERN MOUNTAINS
The mountains are of medium height with barren land with the scarcity of water and seasonal rivers. There is
scattered vegetation and natural passes and parallel ranges.
Pakistan is blessed with a long range of mountains that are an attraction for geologists and mountain climbers
from all over the world. Pakistan has more than a hundred peaks that are above 7,000 meters. Out of the world’s
14 highest peaks, four are in Pakistan. These highest peaks are situated mainly in the Karakorum ranges. This
article discusses some of the famous mountains found in Pakistan.
In the North West there is a mountain range called Hindu Kush. Most parts of the high Hindu Kush range are
located in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. This range is also present in Ghizar, Yasin Valley, and Ishkoman
in Pakistan northern areas. Tirch Mir located in Chitral (22,289 ft.) is the highest point in the Hindu Kush range.
The Hindu Raj is located in the northern regions of Pakistan between the Hindu Kush and the Karakorum
ranges. Koyo Zom (22,546 ft.) is its highest peak.
K-2
This is the second highest mountain in the world, and a part of the Karakorum Range extending from the
Himalayan range. It is located on the bordering parts of the Northern areas of Pakistan and china. Due to
difficult ascend of this mountain, K2 is also called Savage Mountain. A European team first attempted to climb
K-2 in 1856. A member of this team Thomas Montgomerie named this peak K2 as it was the second highest in
the Karakorum Range. The other five peaks are named as K1 Masherbrum, K3 Broad Peak, K4 Gasherbrum-2
and K5 Gasherbrum-1.
NANGA PARBAT
It is located at the western side of the Himalayas. It is situated in the northern areas of Pakistan, south of the
Indus River in the Astore District.
KOH SAFED
The Koh Safed or White Mountain range lies at the Pakistan Afghanistan border. It ranges up to 4,761 meters
above the sea level.
Kirthar Mountains
They are located in the Sindh and Baluchistan. The range extends southwards for nearly 300 km from the Mula
River to cape Muari on the Arabian Sea. The maximum altitude of the Kirthar range that is present in the Sindh
is almost 7,056 feet above the sea level which makes it Sindh’s highest peak. This range is present a few miles
north-west of the Gorakh Hill station.
SULAIMAN MOUNTAINS
The Sulaiman Mountains or Kōh-e Sulaymān are a north–south extension of the southern Hindu Kush mountain
system, and rise to form the eastern edge of the Iranian Plateau, and the northeastern edge of the Baluchistan
Plateau. They are located in the Zabul, Kandahar and Loya Paktia regions of Afghanistan, and in Pakistan they
extend over the northern part of Baluchistan province, and some parts of southwestern Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Bordering the Suleiman’s to the north are the arid highlands of Central Hindu Kush
whose heights extend up to 3,383 metres (11,099 ft), and to the east are the Indus plains. Together with the Kirthar
Mountains in southern Pakistan, they form what is known as the Sulaiman-Kirthar geologic province.
The most well-known peak of the Sulaimans is the twin-peaked Takht-e-Sulaiman or "Throne of Solomon" at
3,487 metres (11,440 ft), located near Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan, close to the border with both South
Waziristan and Zhob District of neighboring Baluchistan province. The highest peak, however, is Zarghun
Ghar at 3,578 metres (11,739 ft) near Quetta, Pakistan. The next highest peak in Baluchistan province is Khilafat
Hill at 3,475 metres (11,401 ft), which is located in Ziarat district of Pakistan, and is famous for the Ziarat Juniper
Forest where juniperus macropoda trees grow.
SALT RANGE
The Salt Range is a hill system in the Punjab province of Pakistan, deriving its name from its extensive deposits
of rock salt. The range extends along the south of the Potohar Plateau and the north of the Jhelum River.
The Salt Range has a high level of biodiversity and is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries (ChumbiSurla,
Jahlar Lake, Sodhi, Khabekki Lake and KundalRakh) and protected areas, including the Chinji National
Park and several forest (e.g. Simli Reserved Forest and Noorpur Reserved Forest) and wetland areas
(including Ucchali, Jahlar and Khabbiki lakes).
The Salt Range contains the great mines of Khewra, Kalabagh and Warcha which yield vast supplies of salt.
Coal of a medium quality is also found.

• Sakaser is the highest peak of Salt Range.

• Namal Lake, Khabikki Lake and Uchhali Lake are lakes in the Salt Range.

QNO 2:
KEEPING IN VIEW THE PHYISOGRAPHY OF PAKISTAN, DISCUSS THE POTOHAR
PLATEAUES LANDFORMS?
ANS:
PHYSIOGRAPHY OF PAKISTAN
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan is a God-gifted country for the people of Pakistan which has its unique Physiography. Understanding
of relief features of a country is a must for proper understanding of physical and economic environment.
Pakistan has been divided into three distinct physical regions in accordance with the relief features. These
regions include mountains, plateaus and plains. The study of mountains of Pakistan provides information about
their location along with a brief introduction of salient rivers, glaciers, lakes, passes and glaciers. There are two
Plateaus in Pakistan, their salient relief features and drainage has also been discussed. Plains make up the major
part of the relief of Pakistan, their study include topics like flood plains, bars, piedmonts etc. which provide
ample information to the students about the plains.
PHYSICAL FEATURES OR LANDFORMS
Physical Features of an area refer to the natural surface features of land; such as mountains, plateaus and plains.
Mountains are natural elevations of the earth’s surface which rise at least 1000 meters above sea level and 50%
of their surface consist of steep slopes. Plateaus are table shaped lands which rise at least 300 meters above sea
level. They are usually bounded on one or more sides by steep slopes which drop to lower land, or by steep
slopes rising to a mountain range. In contrast to mountains and plateaus, plains are flat or gently rolling land
surfaces.
LANDFORMS IN PAKISTAN
On the basis of relief features found in Pakistan, it can be divided into following major physical regions.
1. Mountains 2. Plateaus 3. Plains
1.1 MOUNTAINS
Mountains of Pakistan spread over Northern, and Western parts of it. Therefore they can be classified as
Northern and Western Mountains. About 225 to 65 million years ago in place of these mountains existed a sea
named as Tethys. Contraction of the Tethys bed began about 65 million years ago and continued up to 54
million years. Northern and western mountain ranges began to appear from the bed of Tethys around 26 to 7
million years ago. Emergence of these mountains completed around 2.5 million years ago, but their uplifting is
still evident. These mountains are termed as Fold Mountains because of the presence of the folds in their rock
strata. These Folds were formed by the contraction of rock strata of Tethys sea bed due to compressional forces
of the surface of the earth.
THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
These Northern Mountains of Pakistan comprise of three main mountain ranges such as The Karakoram, The
Himalayas and The Hindu Kush. These ranges have been folded and faulted.
THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS
These mountains border the western territory of the country. These are lower in altitude than the northern
mountains. Western mountains can be divided into Koh-e-safed, Waziristan hills, Suleiman and Kirthar ranges.
1.2 PLATEAUS
Plateaus are table shaped lands which rise at least 300 meters above sea level .They are usually bounded on one
or more sides by steep slopes which drop to lower land, or by steep slopes rising to a mountain range. Pakistan
has two areas with these distinct features.
i) Potwar Plateau ii) Baluchistan Plateau
1.2.1 POTWAR PLATEAU
It is situated in Northwestern side of the Punjab Province and covers about 18000 sq.kms of area. Its northern
boundary is marked by Kala Chitta ranges and Margalla Hills. In the south it is bounded by Salt Range, and on
eastern and western sides it is confined by River Jhelum and River Indus successively.
The plateau covers the districts of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Mianwali and Chakwal. Ravines, Ridges, Gullies,
Trough and Residual hills are the main features of the area. Ravines and gullies have turned the area into a
badland topography. These Gullies and Rivines are called khunders. River Soam, Korang, Harro, Sill and
Dharab are the main water bodies of the area. Rock salt, Limestone, Gypsum, oil, Coal and Gas are the main
minerals of the plateau. Khairi Murat, Kheri Mar, Bakralla Ridges, Jogi Tilla are significant ranges of the
Potwar.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
River Soan, River Korang, River Ling, River Harro, River Sill, and River Dharab are prominent Rivers of the
area, forming the drainage system of Potwar Plateau.
LAKES
There are many saline lakes formed due to the accumulation of seepage water from the adjacent hills lakes like
Kaller Kahar, Khabeki and Uchali. These are beautiful lakes in this area which add scenic beauty of the area.
SALT RANGE
Salt range is located to the south of Potwar Plateau. Its average height is about 750 – 900 meters. Range extends
about 300 kilo-meters in east west direction. The Indus River breaks through the Range at Kalabagh. Salt Range
covers most of the Jhelum, and parts of Khushab, Chakwal and Mianwali districts. It has become famous
because of salt mines of Khewra, Kalabagh, and Warcha. The highest peak of the area is Sakesar (1527 m).
Khewra, Makrachi, Jaranwala and Jamsukh are small streams found in Salt Ranges. Salt Range is rich in a
number of minerals e.g. Rock salt, Limestone and Gypsum.
1.2.2 BALUCHISTAN PLATEAU
Baluchistan plateau is located on west side of Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges. Its Western boundary is marked by
Iran, Northern by Afghanistan and Southern by Arabian Sea. Its altitude varies from 600 – 3000 m. Its total area
is 347,190 sq. Kms. This plateau is rich in minerals resources such as Natural gas, Oil, Gold, Silver copper &
Coal. It is covered by small hill ranges, valleys, plains, water bodies and Kharan desert.
1.3 PLAINS
A large proportion of land of Pakistan consists of flat or gently rolling land surface which is categorized as
Plain. Plains of Pakistan are named after the River Indus i.e. Indus Plains. 13 The Indus Plain was formed by the
alluvium laid down by the River Indus and its tributaries about 2 to 0.01 million years ago. The River Indus is a
mighty river about 2900 kilometers long. From its source in Manasarovar Lake in Tibet, the Indus flows from
east to west between lofty mountains like Karakoram and the Great Himalayas. It then majestically flows into
the Arabian Sea passing through Punjab and Sindh Province.
THE TRIBUTARIES OF RIVER INDUS
The river Indus is joined by a number of tributaries from the west and from the east which are termed as it
tributaries. In general the western tributaries are small and carry a lower volume of water e.g. River Kabul,
River Kurram, River Tochi and River Gomal. On the other hand Eastern tributaries are major rivers which carry
large volumes of water and sediments. These rivers are the Jhelum, River Chenab, River Ravi, and River Sutlej.
Indus plain is divided into two parts
i) Upper Indus Plain ii) Lower Indus Plain
1.3.1 Upper Indus Plain
The area between Jhelum to Mithankot is called Upper Indus Plain. Located in the northern part of the Indus
Plain this nearly flat, undulating plain is sloping towards the south-west. It stretches over the whole Punjab
Province. River Indus and its major tributaries flow here. River Jhelum meets River Chenab at Atharhazairi,
River Ravi meets Chenab near Ahmed pur Sial and Sutlej joins the River Chenab near Uch to form the River
Panjnad which joins the Indus near Mithankot. Rivers flowing in upper Indus plain have developed braided
river channels. Beside the braided channels Oxbow-lakes, meanders and Levees are also present in upper Indus
Plain. In the middle of Doabs, Bars are formed.
1.3.2 Lower Indus Plain
The area between Mithankot to Thatta is called Lower Indus Plain. It is located in the southern part of the Indus
Plain. It is nearly flat, undulating plain, sloping towards south. It stretches over the whole Sindh Province. Here
River Indus flows alone and enters into the Arabian Sea in south of Thatta. Here width of the River Indus is
about 1.6 km. River Indus is in its lower course. Deposition is the main function of River Indus. In lower Indus
plain Meanders, Oxbow-lakes, Braided Channels and Levees are also present. Here Doabs and Bars are not
present. A ridge of limestone is present in the area is called Cuesta in Rohri and GanjoTakar.
The Kachhi-Sibi Plain: It is a barren area which is bounded on the north by the Marri-Bugti Ranges and on the
west by the Kalat Range and in south by Indus Plain. Heat and aridity are the common characteristics of this
area.
 Piedmont Plain: A piedmont plain with alluvial fans is located to the west of Indus River in Lower Indus plain
along the eastern side of Kirthar Range.
Active Flood Plain: Active flood plain Continues to exist along the course of the river Indus in Lower Indus
plain. River Indus spreads alluvium in its course.
Old Flood Plain: It is the plain located farther from the Active Flood Plain. It is flooded after every few years
due to severe floods. River spreads alluvium in this area during these floods. This area is also best agricultural
area of Pakistan.
Indus Delta: It’s a triangular area formed by deposition of sediments by river Indus at its mouth. When River
Indus reaches near Arabian Sea its speed is reduced due to low gradient. So it divides into many smaller and
larger distributaries. The larger distributaries are Ochito and Gungro. Kalri and Panyari are relatively smaller
distributaries. There are some depressions in deltaic areas which are filled with water during flood, locally
called Dhands. Indus Delta is the 7th largest delta in the world with an area 780 sq.km. In Pakistan
only two rivers form the delta, they are River Indus and River Hub.
Desert Areas:
Eastern part of lower Indus plain consists of Nara and Tharparkar desert. Here the Sand dunes are in different
shapes like Latitudinal, Longitudinal, Transverse and Crescent.

QNO 3:
KEEPING IN VIEW THE SOIL FORMATION, DESCRIBE THE MOUNTAIN SOILS IN DETAILS?
ANS:
SOIL FORMATION
PEDOGENESIS
Pedogenesis is the process of soil formation as regulated by the effects of place, environment, and
history. Biogeochemical processes act to both create and destroy order (anisotropy) within soils. These
alterations lead to the development of layers, termed soil horizons, distinguished by differences
in color, structure, texture, and chemistry. These features occur in patterns of soil type distribution, forming in
response to differences in soil forming factors.
Pedogenesis is studied as a branch of pedology, the study of soil in its natural environment. Other branches of
pedology are the study of soil morphology, and soil classification. The study of Pedogenesis is important to
understanding soil distribution patterns in current (soil geography) and past (paleopedology) geologic periods.

A. INDUS BASIN SOILS

The Indus plain is included among the biggest plains of the world. Most part of this plain is made with
the deposition of alluvium by the Indus River and its tributaries for thousands of years. These soils are
less in organic matter and have more calcium carbonate content in them. These soils are divided into
three main categories.

1. BONGAR SOILS:

Large part of Indus plain is covered with the thick deposits of Bongar soil. The area includes most of the
part of Punjab, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Bannu and Kachhi plain. A major part of the province of
 Sindh is also comprised of these soils. These soils are very fertile and rich when properly irrigated and
every year gives a huge agricultural production to our economy. As these soils are deposited near the old
beds of the rivers so they are very far away from the present rivers beds.

2. KHADDAR SOILS:

Khaddar is a new or younger deposit of alluvial soil on the active flood plains of the Indus and its
tributaries. So every year new layer of alluvial clay is deposited. These soils have low content of organic
matter and salt and are more fertile and productive than Bongar soils.

3. INDUS DELTA SOILS:

These soils cover the river Indus Delta. Their extent is from Hyderabad to the southern coastal area.
Large part of the soil of Indus delta is alluvial clay. Rice is a major crop cultivated in these soils.

B. MOUNTAIN SOILS:

Mountain soils occurs in the highland areas of the north and west and are residual as well as transported.
Along the steep crests and slopes and in the broken hill country, shallow residual soils have developed.
Under arid and semi-arid conditions, these soils are usually strongly calcareous, with low organic
content. Further north, under sub-humid conditions, there is more leaching and a higher organic content.
In the mountain valleys, soils ae formed from the alluvial infills of the streams. These soils are
calcareous silt loams and sandy loams of low organic content. They are cultivated in patches only.
These soils mostly cover the highlands of northern and western areas of Pakistan. The soils of northern
mountainous areas which are humid have high content of organic matters. Whereas the soils of western
mountainous areas have high content of calcium carbonate and low content of organic matter because
the climate of these areas is arid and semi-arid. The soils of Potohar plateau have high lime content.
They are productive when plenty of water is available. In Potohar mostly dry farming is practiced.

C. SANDY DESERTS SOILS:

These soils cover the western areas of Baluchistan, Cholistan and the desert of Thar and Thal in
Pakistan. They are formed by layers of sand particles. Desert soil is mostly sandy (90–95%) found in
low-rainfall regions. It has a low content of nitrogen and organic matter with very high calcium
carbonate and phosphate, thus making it infertile. This soil is susceptible to wind erosion and supports a
low density of population.

QNO 4:
AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN PAKISTAN IS NOTHING WITHOUT LIVESTOCK. GIVE YOUR
ARGUMENTS?
ANS:
PAKISTAN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
AN OVERVIEW
Pakistan’s agriculture sector plays a central role in the economy as it contributes 18.9 percent to
GDP and absorbs 42.3 percent of labour force. It is also an important source of foreign exchange earnings and
stimulates growth in other sectors. The government is focusing on supporting small and marginalized farmers
and promote small scale innovative technologies to promote growth in this sector. According to the 6th
Population and Housing Census of Pakistan 2017, the country’s population is growing at the rate of 2.4 percent
per annum. This rapid increase in population is raising demand for agricultural products. The present
government is focused on developing this sector and in this connection initiated a number of measures such
as crop diversification, efficient use of water and promotion of high value crops including biotechnology,
reducing mark-up rates, agriculture credit enhancement, subsidized fertilizer prices and cheap electricity for
agritube wells. As a result, this sector’s performance increased manifold after witnessing a moderate and
subdued growth in last 13 years.
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDEGE OF LIVESTOCK
Livestock plays a significant role in human life. Domestication of livestock has been one of the most former and
common occupation in Pakistan specifically in rural areas. It is as old as the Indus civilization. Being a country
whose large population is living in rural areas, animal keeping provides a major source of livelihood to many
farmers.
Primarily, Pakistan is an agricultural country and livestock is a vital component of agriculture sector. Moreover,
approximately 35 million people are engaged in this sector which contributes nearly 11% to the GDP.
Specifically, majority of women are deeply engaged in the management of animal keeping. They earn
reasonable amount of cash through sale of milk and excess stock. Mechanization has also been introduced in
agriculture sector but still large numbers of farmers are deprived of the latest machinery as bullocks and other
animals are being utilized as draught animals. They are also used for irrigation purposes like drawing plough,
lifting water and carts. In specific areas of Pakistan, livestock is considered a symbol of prestige and these are
also used in sports and entertainment.
In Pakistan, animal keeping is predominantly a subsistence activity and is characterized by small size herds with
widespread ownership. Generally, large numbers of farmers in Pakistan are smallholders in addition one million
of which are landless. It is a supplemental source of farm income for most farmers. Other sources are crops,
horticulture, on farm non agriculture and off-farm employment. In terms of species and breeds, Pakistan has
seven types i.e. Buffaloes, sheep, cattle, goat, camel, equine (horses, donkeys, mules) and poultry. These
animals also provide raw materials like skin, wools and hides. Other than that they are the main sources of agro-
based industries e.g., Milk, eggs, butter, meat and oils which provide nourishment that are extremely significant
to the good health.
As animal rearing is quite prevalent throughout the country, fertile provinces of Punjab and Sindh are the main
hub of agriculture and farming activity. While the arid regions of Pakistan like Thal, Baluchistan, K.P and Thar,
are best suited for rearing sheep and goats. Good breeds of sheep are mostly found in the cold areas of
northwestern mountainous region.
After China, USA and India, Pakistan is rated fourth position in milk production. It is also one of the fastest
growing sectors as its share to the national economy is increasing rapidly. Growing population and urbanization
is one of the reason behind this as well as the demand for dairy products is also increasing and it will further rise
in the future; thus over the next few years it can be a challenge for the country to meet this demand.
Regrettably, Pakistan is underutilizing its livestock potential which is not fully exploited. This may be because
of conventional facilities we are using. Majority of these animals are raised by rural communities who lack the
appropriate knowledge of animal husbandry and do not possess the enough capital to invest in treatment,
prevention and control of animal diseases.
MAJOR LIVESTOCK RESOURCES OF PAKISTAN
The major livestock resources are given below:
a) Buffaloes
b) Cattle (Bullock and Cow)
c) Horses
d) Sheep and Goats
e) Camel
f) Poultry
LIVESTOCK ALSO BOOSTS THE NATIONAL ECONOMY:
Livestock boosts the national economy of the country as it plays a vital role in exports of the country. The
annual foreign exchange we earn from livestock and its products were almost 53 billion rupees in 2001-2002,
that is approximately 12.3% of all the export earnings of the country [Government of Pakistan, 2002]. Pakistan
needs a great deal of effort to improve and strengthen its livestock sector. There is an estimation that Pakistan
has three times the animals that Germany has, but production or output is one fifth of Germany’s and one third
of New Zealand’s.
Overall in Pakistan, Punjab Province is leading in livestock sector; numbers of women are engaged directly or
Indirectly with this sector as a rural woman spends 59% of her everyday life in livestock related activities.
According to 2006 Census, the Punjab province dominates in the livestock sector. Punjab Province has 49% of
Pakistan’s cattle, 65% of the buffaloes, 37% of the goats, and 24% of the sheep. In Livestock product, it is
generating 62% of milk, 32% of mutton, 43% of beef and 75 % of poultry of the country.

QNO 5:
HIGHLIGHTS THE ADVANTAGES OF THE FORESTS IN DETAILS?
ANS:
INTRODUCTION:
We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats
for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and
mitigate climate change. Yet, despite our dependence on forests, we are still allowing them to disappear.
ADVANTAGES OF THE FORESTS IN DETAILS:
THEY HELP US BREATHE
Forests pump out oxygen we need to live and absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale (or emit). A single mature,
leafy tree is estimated to produce a day's supply of oxygen for anywhere from two to 10 people. Phytoplankton
in the ocean are more prolific, providing half of Earth's oxygen, but forests are still a key source of quality air.
THEY ARE MORE THAN JUST TREES
Nearly half of Earth's known species live in forests, including 80% of biodiversity on land. That variety is
especially rich in tropical rainforests, but forests teem with life around the planet: Insects and worms work
nutrients into soil, bees and birds spread pollen and seeds, and keystone species like wolves and big cats keep
hungry herbivores in check. Biodiversity is a big deal, both for ecosystems and human economies, yet it's
increasingly threatened around the world by deforestation.
PEOPLE LIVE THERE TOO

Some 300 million people live in forests worldwide, including an estimated 60 million indigenous people whose
survival depends almost entirely on native woodlands. Many millions more live along or near forest fringes, but
even just a scattering of urban trees can raise property values and reduce crime, among other benefits.

THEY KEEP US COOL

By growing a canopy to hog sunlight, trees also create vital oases of shade on the ground. Urban trees help
buildings stay cool, reducing the need for electric fans or air conditioners, while large forests can tackle
daunting tasks like curbing a city's "heat island" effect or regulating regional temperatures.

THEY KEEP EARTH COOL

Trees also have another way to beat the heat: absorb CO2 that fuels global warming. Plants always need some
CO2 for photosynthesis, but Earth's air is now so thick with extra emissions that forests fight global
warming just by breathing. CO2 is stored in wood, leaves and soil, often for centuries.

THEY MAKE IT RAIN

Large forests can influence regional weather patterns and even create their own microclimates. The Amazon
rainforest, for example, generates atmospheric conditions that not only promote regular rainfall there and in
nearby farmland, but potentially as far away as the Great Plains of North America.

THEY FIGHT FLOODING

Tree roots are key allies in heavy rain, especially for low-lying areas like river plains. They help the ground
absorb more of a flash flood, reducing soil loss and property damage by slowing the flow.

THEY PAY IT FORWARD

On top of flood control, soaking up surface runoff also protects ecosystems downstream. Modern storm water
increasingly carries toxic chemicals, from gasoline and lawn fertilizer to pesticides and pig manure, which
accumulate through watersheds and eventually create low-oxygen "dead zones."

THEY REFILL AQUIFIERS

Forests are like giant sponges, catching runoff rather than letting it roll across the surface, but they can't absorb
all of it. Water that gets past their roots trickles down into aquifers, replenishing groundwater supplies that are
important for drinking, sanitation and irrigation around the world.

THEY BLOCK WIND

Farming near a forest has lots of benefits, like bats and songbirds that eat insects or owls and foxes that eat rats.
But groups of trees can also serve as a windbreak, providing a buffer for wind-sensitive crops. And beyond
protecting those plants, less wind also makes it easier for bees to pollinate them.
THEY KEEP DIRT IN IT PLACE

A forest's root network stabilizes huge amounts of soil, bracing the entire ecosystem's foundation against
erosion by wind or water. Not only does deforestation disrupt all that, but the ensuing soil erosion can trigger
new, life-threatening problems like landslides and dust storms.

THEY CLEAN UP DIRTY SOIL

In addition to holding soil in place, forests may also use phytoremediation to clean out certain pollutants. Trees
can either sequester the toxins away or degrade them to be less dangerous. This is a helpful skill, letting trees
absorb sewage overflows, roadside spills or contaminated runoff.

THEY CLEAN UP DIRTY AIR

We herald houseplants for purifying the air, but don't forget forests. They can clean up air pollution on a much
larger scale, and not just CO2. Trees absorb a wide range of airborne pollutants, including carbon monoxide,
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. In the U.S. alone, urban trees are estimated to save 850 lives per year and
$6.8 billion in total health care costs just by removing pollutants from the air.

THEY MUFFLE NOISE POLLUTION

Sound fades in forests, making trees a popular natural noise barrier. The muffling effect is largely due to
rustling leaves — plus other woodland white noise, like bird songs — and just a few well-placed trees can cut
background sound by 5 to 10 decibels, or about 50% as heard by human ears.

THEY FEED US

Not only do trees produce fruits, nuts, seeds and sap, but they also enable a cornucopia near the forest floor,
from edible mushrooms, berries and beetles to larger game like deer, turkeys, rabbits and fish.

THEY HEAL US

Forests give us many natural medications, and increasingly inspire synthetic spin-offs. The asthma drug
theophylline comes from cacao trees, for one, while a compound in eastern red cedar needles fights drug-
resistant bacteria. About 70% of known plants with cancer-fighting properties occur only in rainforests, yet less
than 1% of tropical rainforest plants have been tested for medicinal effects. Even just walking in the woods can
offer health benefits, too, including stress relief, reduced blood pressure and a stronger immune system. The
latter may be partly due to trees releasing airborne compounds called phytoncides, which prompt our bodies to
boost the natural killer (NK) cells that attack infections and guard against tumors.

THEY HELP US MAKE THINGS

Where would humans be without timber and resin? We've long used these renewable resources to make
everything from paper and furniture to homes and clothing, but we also have a history of getting carried away,
leading to overuse and deforestation. Thanks to the growth of tree farming and sustainable forestry, though, it's
becoming easier to find responsibly sourced tree products.

THEY CREATE JOBS

More than 1.6 billion people rely on forests to some extent for their livelihoods, according to the U.N., and 10
million are directly employed in forest management or conservation. Forests contribute about 1% of the global
gross domestic product through timber production and non-timber products, the latter of which alone support up
to 80% of the population in many developing countries.

THEY CREATE MAJESTY

Natural beauty may be the most obvious and yet least tangible benefit a forest offers. The abstract blend of
shade, greenery, activity and tranquility can yield concrete advantages for people, however, like convincing us
to appreciate and preserve old-growth forests for future generations.

THEY HELP US EXPLORE AND RELAX

Our innate attraction to forests, part of a phenomenon known as bio philia, is still in the relatively early stages
of scientific explanation. We know bio philia draws us to woods and other natural scenery, though, encouraging
us to rejuvenate ourselves by exploring, wandering or just unwinding in the wilderness. They give us a sense of
mystery and wonder, evoking the kinds of wild frontiers that molded our distant ancestors. And thanks to our
growing awareness that spending time in forests is good for our health, many people now seek out those
benefits with the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, commonly translated to English as "forest bathing."

THEY ARE PILLARS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES

Like the famous rug in "The Big Lebowski," forests really tie everything together — and we often don't
appreciate them until they're gone. Beyond all their specific ecological perks (which can't even fit in a list this
long), they've reigned for eons as Earth's most successful setting for life on land. Our species probably couldn't
live without them, but it's up to us to make sure we never have to try. The more we enjoy and understand
forests, the less likely we are to miss them for the trees.
CONCLUSION
Forests and trees are very important tools in enhancing rainfall, recharging ground water and preventing erosion
and flooding. Since changes in land cover, including deforestation, can lead to reduced evapotranspiration and
enhanced surface temperatures, disrupts hydrological cycle and decrease in moisture circulation, efforts
therefore should be geared toward aggressive afforestation, conservation of the natural forest through strong
policy formulation and implementation to ensure ready water supply for the ever increasing human population
and mitigating hostile environmental condition resulting from drought and dissertation.
END