Amazon rainforest - case study

Question 1

where is the amazon rainforest?

Answer 1

South America - Brazil
* Area of 6 mil km2
* World’s largest rainforest

Question 2

Water cycle information

Average temperature

Answer 2

• ^ Temps between 25-30*c → due to ^ insolation throughout the year
  But clouds prevent temps reaching tropical desert climates

Question 3

specific water cycle info

precipitation

Answer 3

^ average annual rainfall - small seasonal variation, interception high accs for 25% evaporation

Question 4

specific water cycle info

evapotranspiration

Answer 4

^ rates as ^ temps/ dense vegetation
Strong et/ rain feedback loop

Question 5

specific water cycle info

run- off

Answer 5

Rapid run off as intense rainfall peaks and well drain soils

Question 6

specific water cycle info

atmosphere

Answer 6

^temp = atmosphere hold large amount of Relative humidity ^

Question 7

specific water cycle information

soil

Answer 7

^ rainfall + deep soils leads to ^ water storage

Question 8

specific rainfall

vegetation

Answer 8

Trees absorb and store water from soil and release it through evapotranspiration

Question 9

How much tonnes of carbon does the biomass store?

Answer 9

400-700 tonnes annually

Question 10

How much tonnes of carbon does the vegetation store?

Answer 10

Forest trees usually store - 180 tonnes/ha above ground 40 tonnes below

Question 11

how much tonnes a year does the rainforest absorb of carbon ?

Answer 11

absorbs 2.4 bil t a year