Drought Flashcards
How is drought defined, and what does it entail?
Drought is defined as an extended period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical average of that region, measured over a long period of time.
Drought is defined as an extended period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical average of that region, measured over a long period of time.
A global increase of 2°C would result in 5% of the Earth’s ecosystems shifting into a new climate zone, with Asia, South America, and the east coast of Africa at the highest risk
What were the impacts of the 2010 Amazon drought?
During the 2010 Amazon drought:
* Rio Negro tributary fell to its lowest level on record.
* Rise in dead trees spanning 1.2 million square miles
* Over 2 million square miles showed a drop in rainfall.
How often has the Amazon experienced serious droughts, and in which years did they occur?
The Amazon experienced serious droughts in 2005, 2010, and 2015-16.
What significant effect did the droughts have on orange groves, and how does Brazil’s freshwater resources contribute to this issue?
Orange groves were affected by the droughts. Brazil holds 12% of the world’s freshwater, and the availability of water is crucial for agricultural activities like orange farming.
What percentage of the Amazon region could potentially become a savannah?
60-70% of the Amazon region could become a savannah if the trend of increasing drought continues.
What proportion of terrestrial vegetation does the Amazon account for, and what is its role in absorbing CO2?
The Amazon accounts for 17% of terrestrial vegetation. The rainforest usually absorbs 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 each year.
How did the amount of CO2 released during the 2005 and 2010 Amazon droughts compare to the usual absorption rate?
- 2005 - 5 billion tonnes of CO2 released
- 2010 - 8 billion tonnes released
- Significantly higher than the usual absorption rate.
