How does excessive deforestation contribute to mass movement?

Excessive deforestation significantly reduces slope stability, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of hillsides and slopes. Trees and vegetation play a vital role in stabilizing soil through their root systems, which bind the soil together and help prevent erosion. When trees are removed, this root structure is lost, leaving the soil more vulnerable to erosion and instability.

Without the support of roots, the soil can become loose and prone to slipping, especially during heavy rains or geological activity. This lack of stability can lead to various forms of mass movement, such as landslides or mudslides, where large amounts of soil and debris can rapidly flow downhill. Therefore, the removal of forest cover creates conditions that favor mass movement, as the cohesion provided by root systems is eliminated.