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PLANET SYSTEMS / MISSION 07

Deforestation & Water Cycle Simulator

Observe how forest loss, rainfall, slope, and soil compaction affect runoff, infiltration, and erosion.

YOUR CLIMATE DASHBOARD0 / 10Systems explorer
◉ WATERSHED LABChange one driver. Run the system. Read the evidence.+1 CLIMATE BADGE
LIVE SYSTEM MODELREADY TO TEST
Infiltration 31% · soil loss 4.3 t/ha
Infiltration31%
Storm runoff61%
Soil loss4.3 t/ha
0%

This is a simplified educational model. Values update from the equations described in Model assumptions & science.

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Free online deforestation water cycle simulation

Deforestation & Water Cycle Simulator: experiment guide

This browser-based watershed simulation helps you observe how forest loss, rainfall, slope, and soil compaction affect runoff, infiltration, and erosion. Designed for Grades 6–12, it turns an abstract idea into a model you can control, measure, reset, and test without signing up.

What you can investigate

Explore Forest cover, infiltration, runoff, soil erosion by changing the available controls and comparing the model’s visual and numerical evidence. Try one variable at a time, then combine changes to test a stronger explanation.

Forest coverinfiltrationrunoffsoil erosion

How to use this simulation

  1. 1Read the mission and make a prediction before moving a control.
  2. 2Change one variable so its effect is easier to identify.
  3. 3Run the model and record a value, pattern, or visible change.
  4. 4Reset, test a different setup, and explain the result from evidence.

For students, teachers, and independent study

A typical investigation takes 8–14 min. Use it as a lesson demonstration, a guided inquiry activity, a homework experiment, or a quick review. The simulation runs in a modern web browser and does not require an account.

Level
Intermediate
Time
8–14 min
Format
Watershed simulation

Common questions

What does the Deforestation & Water Cycle Simulator teach?

Observe how forest loss, rainfall, slope, and soil compaction affect runoff, infiltration, and erosion. The main ideas are Forest cover, infiltration, runoff, soil erosion.

Is the Deforestation & Water Cycle Simulator free to use?

Yes. You can run the simulation online for free without creating an account.

How long does the activity take?

Most learners can complete one investigation in 8–14 min. You can repeat it to compare more variables or improve your explanation.