Amazon Rainforest Case Study Flashcards
What are some key characteristics of rainforests?
- Average mean rainfall of 2000mm.
- Emit 28% of world’s oxygen.
- Store 76 billion tonnes of carbon.
- 75% of rainfall intercepted.
- 48% of evapotranspiration falls again as rain.
What is the primary reason that the Amazon has been deforested?
Farming - particularly pastoral farming.
What are some impacts of the Amazon deforestation on the water cycle?
Less water recycled to the atmosphere. Evapotranspiration cannot support biome size so it becomes a savannah.
What are some impacts of the Amazon deforestation on the carbon cycle?
- Large stores of carbon move to atmosphere.
- High biodiversity meaning biosphere has a high carbon store. Released by evasive species and habitat destruction.
What are some impacts of the Amazon deforestation on economic growth?
- Drier climate, damages the environmental sector.
- Drugs for Malaria and other illnesses often found in the Amazon.
What is the likely economic gain going to be from the Amazon presently?
Short term - Rapid deforestation for farming, but long term the land becomes less arable because evapotranspiration cannot support the rainfall.
What is the human impact of vegetation change on the Amazon?
Around 3.6 million hectares of forest lost between 2000-2010.
2009 study concluded that 2’C rise would kill 20-40% of all plants in 100 years. 85% at 4’C.
What is the human impact of soil on the Amazon?
Amazonian soil contain 4-9kg of carbon in upper 50cm. Carbon is released as soils are washed away.
What is the human impact on rivers in the Amazon?
Changes in total precipitation could lead to flash flooding. Temperature changes may threaten biodiversity.
How is Norway helping the Amazon Rainforest?
They have invested $1 billion into the country, but only give the money over time given they protect their rainforest. So far, they have given out $670 million.
What is a positive impact of the Amazon’s climate?
Areas around the Amazon still receive rainfall despite being in areas with cool, sinking air because the Amazon manages its own climate.
