Final answer:
Deforestation is associated with extreme floods because it disrupts the natural absorption of water and increases soil erosion, leading to higher flood risks and longer flood durations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deforestation is often associated with extreme floods due to its impact on the hydrologic cycle and soil stability. When forests are removed, the natural vegetation layers, which intercept raindrops and facilitate the gradual absorption of water into the soil, are lost.
This can lead to a more direct impact of rain on the ground, causing erosion and increasing the likelihood of floods. A global-scale empirical study by Bradshaw et al. (2007) showed that a 10% decrease in natural forest area could result in a flood frequency increase between 4% and 28%, and an increase in total flood duration between 4-8% at the country scale.
The replacement of natural forests with plantations and the construction of roads tied to these developments can exacerbate the problem by altering soil composition and drainage regimes, potentially increasing the volume of floods.