earth life support system case studies

Question 1

key features of water cycle in the Amazon

Answer 1

more frequent water cycle due to:
- high temperature, around 20 degrees
- high levels of vegetation
- high levels of rainfall, 2500 ML per year
- more interception, infiltration and evaporation

Question 2

key features of carbon cycle in the Amazon

Answer 2

• high levels of vegetation, more carbon stored in leaves, branches and roots

Question 3

how does deforestation and farming affect flows of carbon, soil and nutrient stores

Answer 3

carbon released back into the atmosphere

soil becomes loose and nutrients get washed away

carbon and nutrient storage decreases