D4.3 - carbon equestrian (1c)

Question 1

carbon sequestration

Answer 1

removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing the carbon

Question 2

forest renegaration

Answer 2

replanting deforested areas to increase primary production

Question 3

how does forest regeneration lead to carbon sequestration?

Answer 3

• increases the amount of photosynthesis occurring
• increases the amount of carbon stored in biological molecules that make up the trees’ biomass

Question 4

what are arguments for and against planting of non-native tree species during forest regeneration?

Answer 4

there is active scientific debate over whether plantations of non-native tree species or rewilding of native tree species offers the best approach to carbon sequestration

for - species can be chosen to grow faster than native species, so capture carbon more quickly

against - lost conservation opportunity to preserve or improve local biodiversity and re-balance the ecosystem

Question 5

afforestation

Answer 5

planting trees where no forest had previously existed
- it is a process that uses primary production via photosynthesis to sequester carbon

Question 6

how are wetlands restored?

Answer 6

• to restore peat-forming wetlands, land must be excavated so rainwater accumulates
• natural colonisation and succession may be sufficient to restore the ecosystem
• Sphagnum mosses may need to be introduced or invasive plant species may need removing

Question 7

what are the conditions for peat formation?

Answer 7

peat forms when organic matter is not fully decomposed because of acidic or anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils

Question 8

in what ecosystems does peat formation occur?

Answer 8

naturally occurs in temperate and boreal zones or in some tropical ecosystems

Question 9

what is the difference between tropical, temperate and boreal ecosystems?

Answer 9

• tropical ecosystems are warm, humid and found close to the equator
• temperate ecosystems are found at higher latitudes and experience milder temperatures
• boreal ecosystems are found at even higher latitudes and have the coldest and driest climate