Amazon Rainforest Case Study (ELSS)

Question 1

Where is the Amazon Rainforest?

Answer 1

In Northern South America, south of the equator line. The Rainforest stretches into several countries, including the north of Brazil, east of Peru, Ecuador and south of Columbia and Venezuela.

Question 2

What is the climate of the Rainforest?

Answer 2

Hot and wet climate. High average annual temperatures, between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius with little seasonal variation throughout the year.

Question 3

What are the main characteristics of the carbon cycle in the Rainforest?

Answer 3

-Trees are the main carbon store: 100 billion tonnes are locked away in the trees
-Trees absorb 2.4 billion tonnes of C02 per year
-1.7 billion tonnes goes back to the atmosphere due to decomposition
-60% of carbon is in above ground biomass (e.g. trees, branches) but 40% is below ground as roots & inorganic soil matter

Question 4

How do physical factors affect the water cycle in the Amazonia?

Answer 4

The Rainforest is located in an area where high temperatures are present throughout the year, this generates high levels of evapotranspiration, meaning that water is quickly recycled into the atmosphere meaning that the water cycle occurs at a quick rate. Convection in the Rainforest is strong which leads to a quick recycling of water as thunderstorm clouds are produced and intense precipitation is seen.

Question 5

Why is there uncertainty about the Rainforest’s ability to absorb anthropogenic (human created) carbon emissions?

Answer 5

As more C02 in the atmosphere encourages more photosynthesis, more carbon is stored in trees. Scientists think we have reached the point of no return and no more carbon can be stored in the trees. Trees are dying because they reach maturity and age quicker, making them more vulnerable to droughts and high winds.