 The density of the vegetation reduces temperatures at ground level (thereby reducing losses due to surface evaporation), and reduces wind speed (thereby reducing the loss of airborne moisture).The combined effect results in increased surface stream flows and a higher ground water table whilst the rainforest is preserved.Clearing of rainforests frequently leads to desertification as ground level temperatures increase, vegetation cover is lost or intentionally destroyed by clearing and burning, soil moisture is reduced by wind, and soils are easily eroded by high wind and rainfall events.