🔵Carbon And Water Cycle - Relationships / Overlap

Question 1

Rain (forming over tropical rainforest and falling on deforested land)

Answer 1

Rain that forms over intact tropical rainforest may fall over deforested land, causing soil erosion. If soil and ash flows into rivers it increases the carbon content of rivers.

The water leaves the rainforest cycle as an output through streamflow due to reduced
interception and increased surface runoff. This could cause desertification, potentially reducing overall evapotranspiration and precipitation in these areas.

High temperatures could lead to forest migration as some habitats become unsuitable for trees as the climate changes, causing desertification in these areas. This desertification further reduces evapotranspiration and the likelihood of rainfall.

Question 2

Reduce rainfall in the intact rainforest

Answer 2

Less evapotranspiration in the deforested area. This causes drought periods and the intact rainforest to deteriorate.

Question 3

Deforestation on peatlands and the digging of drainage channels

Answer 3

Reduces water storage.

The organic peat matter is no longer preserved underwater and decomposes quickly, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Weathering and erosion increase speeding up decomposition. There is a greater wildfire risk from the hotter temperatures.

Question 4

Blocking drainage ditches in peatland rainforests

Answer 4

helps restore the natural environment by increasing soil water storage and decreasing runoff. This can raise the water table and decrease the flood risk. More water is stored year round, ensuring a steady and even
water supply, which is of better quality as it filtered by the wetlands.

The area is more attractive to wildlife and becomes an important habitat. Carbon storage is also increased as peat is made up of carbon and water. Wildlife benefit from fewer drier conditions and better availability of food sources.

Question 5

Positive Feedback loop water and carbon

Answer 5

1. More co2 (human activity) = global temperature increase - melting releases more co2/ch4 = increased temperatures / energy = increase h2o evaporation = increase GHGs.
2. More co2 = global temperature increase = ocean temperatures increase = increased GHGs in atmosphere = higher global temperatures.
3. More co2 = global temperatures rise = ocean temperatures rise = less co2 dissolves in warm water = warmer oceans release co2 = co2 return to atmosphere = increase GHGs

Question 6

Volcanic eruptions

Answer 6

Release both carbon contain gases and water vapour into the env (gaseous form)

Question 7

Open vs closed system

Answer 7

Open - receive inputs and transfer outputs of energy or matter with other systems.

Closed - energy inputs = energy outputs.

Question 8

Dynamic equilibrium

Answer 8

Inputs = outputs despite changing conditions
(Balance)

Question 9

Positive vs negative feedback

Answer 9

Positive = amplifies the impacts

Negative = reduces the impacts (brings system back to normal)