Widely used method underestimates forests' ability to prevent major floods, researchers argue
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
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Researchers from the University of British Columbia have challenged the widely used method for assessing how forests impact flood risk. They argue that comparing individual flood peaks before and after forest disturbances fails to capture the full complexity of how floods develop. This approach, commonly employed by scientists, has led to significant underestimation of forests' ability to prevent major flooding.
The standard method focuses on analyzing isolated flood events and their immediate effects on water flow. However, this approach overlooks the broader ecological processes that forests play in regulating water systems over time. Forests influence soil moisture, regulate streamflow dynamics, and stabilize riverbanks, all of which contribute to reducing flood risks in ways that aren't captured by single-event comparisons.
The researchers synthesized decades of studies to highlight how forest ecosystems create long-term hydrological benefits. For example, tree roots improve soil structure, reducing erosion and allowing water to infiltrate the ground rather than runoff into streams. Vegetation also slows down overland flow during heavy rains, which can prevent flood peaks from reaching dangerous levels.
This matters because accurate flood risk assessment is critical for disaster preparedness, conservation efforts, and sustainable land management. Current methods may lead policymakers and engineers to underestimate the protective value of forests, potentially compromising flood mitigation strategies. By adopting a more holistic approach that considers cumulative ecological impacts, scientists can better understand and quantify the true role of forests in safeguarding against floods.
The findings emphasize the need for improved methodologies to evaluate forest-flood interactions. Future research should focus on integrating long-term data and ecosystem-wide processes to create more accurate models. This would provide valuable insights for managing natural resources and ensuring safer communities in flood-prone areas.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026