case study- Amazon Flashcards
Where is the Amazon rainforest located?
spans across Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador+
What type of climate does the Amazon rainforest have?
tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity year-round.
What is the size of the Amazon rainforest?
approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, making it the largest rainforest in the world.
What is the average temperature in the Amazon rainforest?
around 25-30°C.
How much rainfall does the Amazon rainforest receive annually?
around 2500mm
What role does precipitation play in the Amazon’s water cycle?
Significant rainfall is a crucial input, contributing to local humidity and river systems.
What is transpiration, and how does it affect the water cycle in the Amazon?
Transpiration is the release of water vapor by plants, contributing to humidity and cloud formation, which influences precipitation.
How does evapotranspiration impact the Amazon rainforest?
High rates of evapotranspiration can account for about 50-75% of the precipitation, maintaining moisture levels and influencing weather patterns.
Why are the Amazon River and its tributaries significant to the water cycle?
They drain a massive area, transporting freshwater to the Atlantic Ocean and playing a crucial role in the hydrology of the region.
How much carbon does the Amazon rainforest store?
100 billion metric tons of carbon
What is the process of photosynthesis in relation to the carbon cycle in the Amazon?
Dense vegetation absorbs large amounts of CO₂ during photosynthesis, contributing to carbon sequestration.
How does decomposition affect the carbon cycle in the Amazon rainforest?
Decomposition and respiration release carbon back into the atmosphere, but healthy ecosystems can maintain net carbon storage.
What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle in the Amazon?
Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing about 15-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
What human activities contribute to deforestation in the Amazon?
Logging, agriculture (especially cattle ranching and soybean production), and infrastructure development are key activities leading to deforestation.
How does deforestation disrupt the water cycle in the Amazon?
Deforestation reduces transpiration rates, leading to decreased rainfall and increased drought risk.
