Earth’s Life Support Systems: The Water And Carbon Cycles In Contrasting Locations Case Studies - Amazon Rainforest And Alaskan Tundra Flashcards
How large is the Amazon rainforest?
6 million square kilometers - which is the world’s largest rainforest
What are the temperature conditions in the Amazon like?
25 to 30 degrees celsius average annual temperatures, with small seasonal temperature variation
What are the weather conditions in the Amazon like?
High average annual rainfall of 2000mm which is convectional (stays in place), no dry season and significant cloud cover
How much precipitation is recycled by evapotranspiration in the Amazon?
50-60%
Describe the effects on the water cycle of the Amazon
10% of precipitation is intercepted, evapotranspiration rates are high, run-off is rapid and lots of water is stored in the soil
How much carbon does the Amazon absorb each year?
2.4 billion tonnes
Why are carbon exchanges fast in the Amazon?
As warm humid conditions allows for high rates of decomposition and photosynthesis
What is the NPP of the Amazon?
2500 grams of carbon per meter squared a year
How does rock lithology affect stores and flows of water in the Amazon?
As porous and permeable rocks such as limestone and sandstone stores water
How does relief affect stores and flows of water in the Amazon?
As most of the Amazon basin has a gentle relief that allows water to move faster as overland and through flow
How much deforestation occurred in the Amazon between 1970 and 2013?
17,500km squared per year, almost a fifth of the primary forest
How does deforestation in the Amazon affect stores and flows of water?
Run-off will become even faster, raising flood risks, and high humidity will no longer be sustained leading to permanent climate changes
How does deforestation in the Amazon affect stores and flows of carbon?
The carbon biomass stores will greatly decrease, as grasslands holds little carbon and the burning of trees causes huge flows of carbon to the atmosphere
What are the three ways to manage the water and carbon cycles in the Amazon?
The protection of rainforest through legislation, reforesting degraded areas and improving agricultural techniques
How much rainforest is Brazil committed to restoring?
120,000 square kilometers by 2030
How much of the Amazon has been national parks, wildlife or indigenous reserves since 2015?
44%
How does improved agricultural techniques help to manage the water and carbon cycles?
Diversifying crops maintains soil fertility, or recreating ‘dark soil’ could allow farming to be intensive, permanent and productive
How large is the Alaskan Tundra?
8 million square kilometers across northern Canada, Alaska and Siberia
What are the temperatures and weather like in the Alaskan tundra?
Mean annual precipitation and temperatures are low, with mean temperatures below -15 degrees celsius and winter temperatures going below -40 degrees celsius
How much annual precipitation is there in the Alaskan tundra?
Less than 100mm
What are the rates of evapotranspiration in the Alaskan tundra?
Both are low due to a short growing season and the subzero temperatures almost year round
How much carbon does permafrost hold globally?
1600 GT of carbon
When is carbon and water flux in the Alaskan tundra highest?
In the summer months, as the active layer thaws and small plants start growing
What is the NPP in the Alaskan tundra?
200g/square meter/year
