The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation where the soil and rocks are completely filled with water. Forests and vegetation cover play a pivotal role in the hydrological cycle, specifically in the process of infiltration and groundwater recharge.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Forests help maintain the water table by acting as a natural sponge. The canopy reduces the velocity of raindrops, and the forest floor, rich in humus and leaf litter, absorbs water. This allows rainwater to seep slowly into the ground (infiltration) rather than flowing away immediately as surface runoff, thereby recharging the groundwater.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The root system facilitates, rather than prevents, water seepage. Roots penetrate the soil, creating macropores and channels that allow water to percolate deeper into the ground. Additionally, roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion, which further aids in maintaining the soil's capacity to absorb water.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Deforestation leads to a decline in the water table level. Without trees to slow down precipitation and facilitate infiltration, the majority of rainwater is lost as surface runoff. This reduction in groundwater recharge causes the water table to drop.
Key Takeaway: Forests enhance groundwater recharge by increasing soil permeability and reducing surface runoff, which is essential for sustaining the water table.