Although the earthquake had a significant effect on water retention, soil conservation and carbon
storage functions, each was affected to a different extent. The function most affected by the earthquake
was the carbon storage, followed by water retention, then soil conservation (Figs. 5, 6). However, in
terms of absolute value, the effect on the soil conservation function was the most important for two
reasons: firstly, the study area was located in the transition region from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to the
Sichuan Basin with complex geological structure and steep slopes, leading to strong erosion dynamic
conditions[8]; secondly, the damaged soil structure in much of the affected land led to an increase in soil
erodibility, providing even greater loss of soil. The soil conservation function was not only reduced
immediately post-earthquake but long-term soil erosion may have significantly increased.
The carbon storage function suffered smaller losses because of the complex process of carbon
sequestration; even where surface vegetation was severely damaged, its roots and underground
component in general retained a high conservation capacity. In addition, under suitable water and
temperature conditions, vegetation regrowth mitigated the loss of carbon storage function[23].