Deforestation is the correct spelling of the term.

Deforestation refers to the widespread clearing of forests or trees, resulting in the permanent destruction of forested areas. It is a process where trees are cut down and the land is converted for non-forest use, such as agriculture, urbanization, or industrial activities. Deforestation can also occur when trees are burned or destroyed due to natural disasters like wildfires.

Let's break down the answer into headings and HTML bullet points:

1. Definition:
- Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees and vegetation from a forested area.

2. Causes of Deforestation:
- Agriculture: The expansion of agricultural activities, such as logging for commercial farming, is one of the major causes of deforestation.
- Urbanization: The clearing of forests to create space for cities and infrastructure development.
- Logging: The cutting down of trees for timber and wood products.
- Mining: The extraction of minerals and resources from forested areas often leads to deforestation.
- Infrastructure Development: The construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects can result in the destruction of forests.

3. Effects of Deforestation:
- Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation leads to the extinction of numerous plant and animal species that rely on forests for their habitat.
- Climate Change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and deforestation contributes to increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
- Soil Erosion: Trees help hold the soil in place and prevent erosion, but deforestation can result in the loss of topsoil, leading to reduced fertility and land degradation.
- Disruption of Local Communities: Indigenous peoples and local communities who depend on forests for their livelihoods are adversely affected by deforestation.
- Water Cycle Disruption: Forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle, and their destruction can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, water scarcity, and increased risk of floods.

In conclusion, deforestation is the spelling of the term. It refers to the permanent removal of trees and vegetation from forested areas, resulting in various environmental and socio-economic impacts. It is important to raise awareness about the consequences of deforestation and promote sustainable practices to conserve our forests and protect the planet.