Question Statement:
Read the passage: 'In watershed hydrology, clearing upstream forested catchments for annual row cropping reduces canopy interception and soil infiltration capacity, resulting in higher peak storm runoff and lower dry-season baseflow downstream.' It can be inferred that upstream deforestation:
Options:
- (A) Exacerbates downstream flood severity during storms while reducing perennial river flow in dry periods.
- (B) Increases groundwater recharge during dry seasons.
- (C) Prevents downstream siltation in storage reservoirs.
- (D) Eliminates surface runoff during monsoon events.