Overview P1/6 (1) The humid tropics cover (), (), and () mostly. - (2) The Amazon rainforest remains the (). - (3) These forests are home to () and a (), much of it stored in the ().

(1) The humid tropics cover Africa, Asia & South America mostly. (2) The Amazon Rainforest remains the largest intact humid tropical forest. (3) These forests are home to unparalleled biological diversity and a significant biological mass (carbon), much of it stored in the upper forest canopy.

Overview P2/6 - (4) Deforestation has been ongoing for () and is most progressed in (). - (5) () once exposed are prone to () and (), especially during (). - (6) (), especially (), contain () and make agriculture a () and promote ().

(4) Deforestation has been ongoing for several centuries and is most progressed in Asia. (5) Deep soils once exposed are prone to erosion and landslides, especially during tropical storms. (6) Soils, especially Oxisols, contain few nutrients and make agriculture a challenge and promote ongoing slash and burn practices.

Overview P3/6 - (7) In (), much of the deforestation is due to (), but also (), which is facilitated by () & () to the forest. - (8) Deforestation also causes (), () and (). - (9) Thus () contributes to the greenhouse effect.

(7) In Brazil, much of the deforestation is due to cattle ranching, but also subsistence agriculture, which is facilitated by roads & general access to the forest. (8) Deforestation also causes loss of biodiversity, changes to hydrology and releases of CO2 into the atmos. (9) Thus forest loss contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Overview P4/6 - (10) Much driven by the demand for () and to some degree (). - (11) Forest carbon absorption and growth are () in the dryer season when there is () & (). - (12) () are globally monitored from space. - (13) Especially in the Amazon, () has decreased from a max. of () / annum but is very much tied to the ().

(10) Much driven by the demand for beef and to some degree timber. (11) Forest carbon absorption and growrth are greater in the dryer season where there is less cloud cover & more sunlight. (12) Deforestation rates are globally monitored from space. (13) Especially in the Amazon, forest loss has decreased from a max. of 2500km2/annum but is very much tied to the political climate.

Overview P5/6 - (14) The recent government in Brazil has resulted (). - (15) In contrast, () rainforests are () subjected to () & () due to (), which does not cause (). Nevertheless, many forests, especially in (), have vanished.

(14) The recent government in Brazil has resulted again in an increase in deforestation. (15) In contrast, African rainforests are less subjected to cattle ranching & access due to selective logging of high-value trees, which does not cause additional forest loss. Nevertheless, many forests, especially in West Africa, have vanished.

Overview P6/6 - (16) Deforestation has () and is driven, among other factors, by () & (). - (17) However, in many cases, our use of the forest (). - (18) While we have a handle on the () & () of deforestation, () will have to be found () and require ().

(16) Deforestation has global implications and is driven, among other factors, by economic circumstances & demand for resources. (17) However, in many cases, our use of the forest does not make use of the most valuable non-wood products. (18) While we have a handle on the rates & drivers of deforestation, solutions will have to be found locally and require economic & political will.

Where are the major tropical rainforests P3/4 (3) Asia: Location/s Size

Indonesian (1.4 Ma km2) SE Asian (1.7 Ma km2)

Tropical Rainforest facts P1/4 - (1) Tropical rainforests cover () of the earth's surface - (2) The rainforest is home to ()/() plant species known in the world, which is ~ (). - (3) Rainforests are home to () than the rest of the world put together - (4) Over () of the Earth's species live in tropical forests

(1) Tropical rainforests cover 6% of the earth's surface (2) The rainforest is home to 155,000/225,000 plant species known in the world, which is ~68.89%. (3) Rainforests are home to more species of plants & animals than the rest of the world put together. (4) Over 50% of the Earth's species live in tropical forests.

Tropical Rainforest facts P2/4 (5) Many (), (), (), (), (), & () originate from the rainforest. - (6) ()% of all () are found in tropical forests - (7) ~ ()% of all () live in tropical rainforests. - (8) ()/() of all the () on Earth live in ().

(5) Many fruits, vegetables, nuts, drinks, oils & flavourings originate from the rainforest. (6) 90% of all primates are found in tropical forests. (7) ~80% of all insect species live in tropical rainforests. (8) 1/5 of all the birds on Earth live in Amazonia.

Tropical Rainforests facts P3/4 - (10) () species of () grow on tropical trees - (11) An area of () containing () in the () would contain () in a tropical forest. - (12) () tree species have been found in a () plot of () rainforest.

(10) > 9000 species of orchids grow on tropical trees. (11) An area of woodland containing 10 species of trees in the UK would contain 180 species in a tropical forest. (12) 780 tree species have been found in a 10 ha plot of Malaysian rainforest.

EGS Frank Week 6 Humid Tropical Environments Flashcards by G Bellerose

Overview P1/6

(1) The humid tropics cover (), (), and () mostly.
(2) The Amazon rainforest remains the ().
(3) These forests are home to () and a (), much of it stored in the ().

(1) The humid tropics cover Africa, Asia & South America mostly.
(2) The Amazon Rainforest remains the largest intact humid tropical forest.
(3) These forests are home to unparalleled biological diversity and a significant biological mass (carbon), much of it stored in the upper forest canopy.

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Overview P2/6

(4) Deforestation has been ongoing for () and is most progressed in ().
(5) () once exposed are prone to () and (), especially during ().
(6) (), especially (), contain () and make agriculture a () and promote ().

(4) Deforestation has been ongoing for several centuries and is most progressed in Asia.
(5) Deep soils once exposed are prone to erosion and landslides, especially during tropical storms.
(6) Soils, especially Oxisols, contain few nutrients and make agriculture a challenge and promote ongoing slash and burn practices.

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Overview P3/6

(7) In (), much of the deforestation is due to (), but also (), which is facilitated by () & () to the forest.
(8) Deforestation also causes (), () and ().
(9) Thus () contributes to the greenhouse effect.

(7) In Brazil, much of the deforestation is due to cattle ranching, but also subsistence agriculture, which is facilitated by roads & general access to the forest.
(8) Deforestation also causes loss of biodiversity, changes to hydrology and releases of CO2 into the atmos.
(9) Thus forest loss contributes to the greenhouse effect.

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Overview P4/6

(10) Much driven by the demand for () and to some degree ().
(11) Forest carbon absorption and growth are () in the dryer season when there is () & ().
(12) () are globally monitored from space.
(13) Especially in the Amazon, () has decreased from a max. of () / annum but is very much tied to the ().

(10) Much driven by the demand for beef and to some degree timber.
(11) Forest carbon absorption and growrth are greater in the dryer season where there is less cloud cover & more sunlight.
(12) Deforestation rates are globally monitored from space.
(13) Especially in the Amazon, forest loss has decreased from a max. of 2500km2/annum but is very much tied to the political climate.

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Overview P5/6

(14) The recent government in Brazil has resulted ().
(15) In contrast, () rainforests are () subjected to () & () due to (), which does not cause (). Nevertheless, many forests, especially in (), have vanished.

(14) The recent government in Brazil has resulted again in an increase in deforestation.
(15) In contrast, African rainforests are less subjected to cattle ranching & access due to selective logging of high-value trees, which does not cause additional forest loss. Nevertheless, many forests, especially in West Africa, have vanished.

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Overview P6/6

(16) Deforestation has () and is driven, among other factors, by () & ().
(17) However, in many cases, our use of the forest ().
(18) While we have a handle on the () & () of deforestation, () will have to be found () and require ().

(16) Deforestation has global implications and is driven, among other factors, by economic circumstances & demand for resources.
(17) However, in many cases, our use of the forest does not make use of the most valuable non-wood products.
(18) While we have a handle on the rates & drivers of deforestation, solutions will have to be found locally and require economic & political will.

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What is the total km2 of tropical rainforests?

10-15 Ma km2

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Where are the major tropical rainforests?

4 points

Americas
Africa
Asia
Australia

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Where are the major tropical rainforests P1/4

(1) Americas:
* Location/s
* Size

Amazon (6 Ma km2) & Central American (0.5 Ma km2)
Mostly in Brazil

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Where are the major tropical rainforests P2/4

(2) Africa:
* Location/s
* Size

Central African (1.9 Ma km2)

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Where are the major tropical rainforests P3/4

(3) Asia:

Location/s
Size

Indonesian (1.4 Ma km2)
SE Asian (1.7 Ma km2)

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Where are the major tropical rainforests P4/4

(4) Australia:

Location/s
Size

NE Australia (0.1 Ma km2)

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Tropical Rainforest facts P1/4

(1) Tropical rainforests cover () of the earth’s surface
(2) The rainforest is home to ()/() plant species known in the world, which is ~ ().
(3) Rainforests are home to () than the rest of the world put together
(4) Over () of the Earth’s species live in tropical forests

(1) Tropical rainforests cover 6% of the earth’s surface
(2) The rainforest is home to 155,000/225,000 plant species known in the world, which is ~68.89%.
(3) Rainforests are home to more species of plants & animals than the rest of the world put together.
(4) Over 50% of the Earth’s species live in tropical forests.

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Tropical Rainforest facts P2/4

(5) Many (), (), (), (), (), & () originate from the rainforest.
(6) ()% of all () are found in tropical forests
(7) ~ ()% of all () live in tropical rainforests.
(8) ()/() of all the () on Earth live in ().

(5) Many fruits, vegetables, nuts, drinks, oils & flavourings originate from the rainforest.
(6) 90% of all primates are found in tropical forests.
(7) ~80% of all insect species live in tropical rainforests.
(8) 1/5 of all the birds on Earth live in Amazonia.

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Tropical Rainforests facts P3/4

(10) () species of () grow on tropical trees
(11) An area of () containing () in the () would contain () in a tropical forest.
(12) () tree species have been found in a () plot of () rainforest.

(10) > 9000 species of orchids grow on tropical trees.
(11) An area of woodland containing 10 species of trees in the UK would contain 180 species in a tropical forest.
(12) 780 tree species have been found in a 10 ha plot of Malaysian rainforest.

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Tropical Rainforest Facts P4/4

(13) Most of the () of a rainforest are stored in its () rather than in its ().
(14) () is mostly conducted in the () - that’s where the () & () is.

(13) Most of the nutrients of a rainforest are stored in its vegetation rather than in its soil.
(14) Research is mostly conducted in the canopy - that’s where the majority of biomass & life is.

How is tree height measured?

Using laser pulses from satellites - able to reconstruct tree canopy structure

Surfaces reflect light (of laser pulses) back to LiDAR sensor
LiDAR sensor measures time diff. btwn. pulses that hit top of trees & pulses that hit ground = height of tree canopy

Tropical Rainforest Structure P1/3

The key components:

Vertical Structure
Nutrient Cycling

Tropical Rainforest Structure P2/3

(1) Vertical Structure:
(1). () Level:
* Point:
* Point:
* Point:

(2). () Level:
* Point:
* Point:
* Point:
* Point:

(3). () Level

(4). () Level:
* Point:
* Point:

(1). Emergent Species Level:

Tallest trees rise above rest of canopy)
Exposed to full sunlight, wind, & large diurnal temp. variations.
Mostly home to birds & insects.

(2). Canopy Level:

Layer just below emergent level
Characterized by almost continuous cover of leaves.
It absorbs 70-80% of the incident light.
Home to most forest animals, which rarely descend to the forest floor.

(3). Understory Level

(4). Forest Floor Level:

Small diurnal temp. changes, little wind, & poor light.
Contributing to slow growth in this area.

Tropical Rainforest Structure P3/3

(2). Nutrient Cycling:
* Point 1:
* Point 2:
* Point 3:
* Point 4:

Nutrient rain falls onto forest & plants cycle nutrients thru. living biomass & dead plant material in branches.
Litter fall (dead plant material) plays a role in recycling nutrients.
Herbivores & carnivores interact w. plants, feeding on them or each other.
Cycle ends w. soil fauna & fungi breaking down dead material into nutrients that are reabsorbed by plants

Deforestation definition:

The process of clearing or removing large areas of forest or trees, often for agricultural, urban, or industrial development.

This leads to:
- Habitat destruction
- Biodiversity loss
- Local & Global environment changes e.g. (altered water cycles & increased carbon emissions)

Can occur through activities such as:
- logging
- farming
- mining
- infrastructure development.

Deforestation Facts P1/3

(1) In 1800, tropical forest worldwide = ()
(2) Today, tropical forest =
(3) Btwn. ()-(), () of tropical forest cleared.
(4) Asia lost almost () of its tropical forest cover btwn. () & ().

(1) In 1800, tropical forest worldwide = 29 Ma km2
(2) Today, tropical forest = 15 Ma km2
(3) Btwn. 1960-1990, 4.45 Ma km2 of tropical forest cleared.
(4) Asia lost almost 1/3 of its tropical forest cover btwn. 1960 & 1980.

Deforestation Facts P2/3

(5) Almost () of West Africa’s rainforest destroyed
(6) Almost () of Madagascar’s forests destroyed
(7) Almost () of Central America cleared
(8) () of Australia’s tropical rainforest cleared.
(9) () in India and Nepal cleared

(5) Almost 90% of West Africa’s rainforest destroyed
(6) Almost 90% of Madagascar’s forests destroyed.
(7) Almost 65% of Central America cleared.
(8) 75% of Australia’s tropical rainforest cleared.
(9) Most of the forests in India & Nepal cleared.

Deforestation Facts P3/3

(10) Only () of the world’s tropical rainforests are protected
(11) Earth is home to () trees
(12) In the past, we had () trees.
(13) () of these in the ().
(14) We lose () a Year.

(10) Only 4% of the world’s tropical rainforests are protected.
(11) Earth is home to 3 Trillion trees.
(12) In the past, we had 6 Trillion trees.
(13) 1/2 of these in the tropics
(14) We lose 10 Ma a Year.

# Amazon Deforestation Facts - Almost () of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared. - () August 2003 to August 2004 alone; the () highest on record, () higher than the previous 12 months. - Deforestation was worst in the state of (). - Rate of deforestation has been () in the last decade

* Almost **1/5** of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared. * **26,000 km2** August 2003 to August 2004 alone; the **2nd** highest on record, **6%** higher than the previous 12 months. - Deforestation was worst in the state of **Mato Grosso** - Rate of deforestation has been **decreasing** in the last decade

# Cause of Deforestation in (Brazilian) Amazon, 2000-2005 * Point 1: * Point 2: * Point 3: * Point 4: * Point 5:

* **Cattle Ranching** (65-70%) * **Small-scale agri.** (20-25%) * **Large-scale agri.** (5-10%) * **Logging** (2-3%) * **Other** (1-2%)

# Drivers of Deforestation: (1) Driver 1: * Point * Point (2) Driver 2: * Point * Point * Point (3) Driver 3: * Point * Point * Point (4) Driver 4: (5) Driver 5: (6) Driver 6: (7) Driver 7:

(1) **Intensive Agriculture (km2)**: * Cattle Grazing * Planting Crops (2) **Slash & Burn (ha)**: * Self subsistence * Fuelwood * Landownership (3) **Commercial Logging**: * Clearcutting * Selective Logging * (Provides Access) (4) **Illegal Logging)** (5) **Mining** (only in specific areas, more localised) (6) **Access to forest** (7) **Poor land management, regulation & protection**

# Impacts of deforestation locally (1) Impact 1: (2) Impact 2: * e.g. (3) Impact 3: * Point * Point * Point * Point (4) Impact 4: * Point * Point (5) Impact 5: (6) Impact 6:

(1) **Decreased Biodiversity** (2) **Loss of natural resources**: * e.g. fruits, food, timber, raw materials & medicines (3) **Local change of soil & slope environ.**: * Loss of nutrients * Erosion * Mass Movement * Oxisol formation increases (4) **Regional Hydrology & Climate Chnage**: * Flooding * Drought (5) **Regional Carbon Budgets (Drought & Smoke)** (6) **Loss of homes & habitats of indigenous tribes**

# Impacts of Deforestation Globally: (1) Impact 1: (2) Impact 2: * Point * Point

(1) **Global Carbon Budget & Climate** (2) **Global Climate Change**: * From Carbon Sink to Carbon Source * Increasing the release of CO2 & decreasing the sinks for CO2

# Tropical Slope Morphology (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1. **Deep weathering (3-30m)** 2. **Slope processes limited by veg. cover** 3. **Solution prevails as a natural process** 4. **Few bedrock outcrops** 5. **Deforestation exposes soil & slope to erosion + rapid & sudden changes** 6. **Slides & flows possible in steep areas**

# Potential Climate Limits? * What limits plant growth? -> * () inhibits (), but stimulates ()? * () -> more () in ().

* What limits plant growth? -> **temp, sunlight, water** * **Smoke** inhibits **cloud cover**, but stimulates **plant growth?** * **Amazon Carbon Flux** -> more **growth** in **dry season**.

**How do we measure deforestation?** * Point * Point * Point

* **Detect fires using MODIS data -> Slash & Burn monitoring** * **Satellites - detect fires using MODIS** * **Landsat Images**