At times the top layer of the soil is removed by the action of wind and water moving at a high speed. This process is known as soil erosion. Deforestation and overgrazing are some major causes of soil erosion. This displacement of the upper layer of the soil is a form of soil degradation.

Forests include a huge mass of trees which can absorb and store carbon over a long period of time, and are hence considered as carbon sinks. Plants require carbon in the form of carbon dioxide gas to perfo rm photosynthesis. When forest fire occurs, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere.

A piece of land with a large number of trees is known as a forest. It is a system which is composed of flora, fauna, and microorganisms. It is the habitat for a variety of living organisms. Forests influence the climate, and they act as large areas of carbon sinks.