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Why do hydrophobic soils promote debris flows and flooding in regions recently burned by wildfires?

User Mtkilic
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Answer:

Hydrophobic soils promote debris flows and flooding in regions recently burned by wildfires because the heat of the fire causes a synthetic waxy coating to form on the soil particles, reducing the soil's ability to absorb water. As a result, when a rainstorm passes through the area, water cannot be absorbed and instead accumulates on the surface, leading to flooding and debris flows.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Seva Titov
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