Amazon Water Cycle Flashcards
What is the area of the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest occupies an area of more than 6 million km².
In which country is the majority of the Amazon rainforest located?
The majority - 70 per cent - of the rainforest is in Brazil.
Apart from Brazil, in which other countries does the Amazon rainforest extend into?
The forest also extends into parts of neighbouring Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia and Guyana.
What are the climatic features of the Amazon rainforest?
The climatic features of the Amazon rainforest include high average annual temperatures between 25 °C and 30°C, small seasonal variation in temperature, and high average annual rainfall (>2000 mm) with no dry season.
What is the reason for the high average temperatures in the Amazon rainforest?
High average temperatures are a response to intense insolation throughout the year.
What ensures that maximum temperatures in the Amazon rainforest do not reach the extremes of subtropical desert climates?
Significant cloud cover ensures that maximum temperatures do not reach the extremes of subtropical desert climates.
What is the percentage of precipitation that is recycled by evapotranspiration in Amazonia?
Between 50 and 60 per cent of precipitation in Amazonia is recycled by evapotranspiration.
What are the components of the water cycle in Amazonia?
The components of the water cycle in Amazonia are precipitation, evapotranspiration, run-off, atmosphere, soil/groundwater, etc., and vegetation.
Which cities are shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12?
The cities shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12 are Iquitos, Vista Rio Branco, and Pôrto Velho.
What is the range of months covered in the climate graph in Figure 4.12?
The range of months covered in the climate graph in Figure 4.12 is from July to June.
What is the average temperature in the Amazon rainforest, as shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12?
The average temperature in the Amazon rainforest, as shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12, is between 25°C and 30°C.
What is the average annual rainfall in the Amazon rainforest, as shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12?
The average annual rainfall in the Amazon rainforest, as shown in the climate graph in Figure 4.12, is greater than 2000 mm.
What does Table 4.7 show?
Table 4.7 shows the water flows and storages in Amazonia, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, run-off, atmosphere, soil/groundwater, etc., and vegetation.
What is the effect of impermeable catchments on the flood hydrograph?
Impermeable catchments have minimal water storage capacity resulting in rapid run-off.
What is an example of an impermeable catchment?
Large parts of the Amazon Basin are an ancient shield area comprising impermeable, crystalline rocks.
What is the effect of permeable and porous rocks on the flood hydrograph?
Permeable and porous rocks such as limestone and sandstone store rainwater and slow run-off.
What is the effect of relief (slopes) on the flood hydrograph in areas of gentle relief?
In areas of gentle relief, water moves across the surface (overland flow) or horizontally through the soil (throughflow) to streams and rivers.
What is the relief like in most of the Amazon Basin?
Most of the Amazon Basin comprises extensive lowlands.
What is the effect of relief (slopes) on the flood hydrograph in areas with steep catchments?
In areas with steep catchments, such as the Andes in the west, rapid run-off occurs.
What is the effect of temperature on the flood hydrograph?
High temperatures throughout the year generate high rates of evapotranspiration.
What is the effect of strong convection on the flood hydrograph?
Strong convection leads to high atmospheric humidity, the development of thunderstorm clouds, and intense precipitation.
How is water cycled in the Amazon rainforest between the land surface, forest trees, and the atmosphere?
Water is cycled continually between the land surface, forest trees, and the atmosphere by evaporation, transpiration, and precipitation.
What is the effect of annual inundation across extensive floodplains, such as the Pantanal?
Widespread inundation across extensive floodplains occurs annually, storing water for several months and slowing its movement into rivers.
