Inter-relationships

Question 1

Deforested rainforests

Answer 1

Rain formed over rainforest may fall over deforested areas –> erosion –> surface run-off –> soil and ash washed into rivers

Decreased evapotranspiration –> decreased precipitation –> droughts –> desertification

Question 2

Deforestation on peatlands

Answer 2

Deforestation of peatlands & digging of drainage channels decreases water storage –> organic peat to no longer be submerged –> decomposes quickly –> releasing CO2

Question 3

Restoring peat bogs

Answer 3

Blocking drainage ditches helps restore the natural environment by increasing soil water storage and decreasing run-off –> raises water table and decreases flood risk

However a managed forest is often less efficient at sequestering CO2 than a virgin forest

Question 4

Positive feedback loops

Answer 4

Hotter temps –> more wildfires –> releases more CO2 –> further increases warming effect

Ice reflects radiation from sun –> reduces surface warming THEREFORE as ice melts –> less ice to reflect radiation –> further warming –> more ice melting

High temps melt permafrost –> release CO2 and CH4 –> warming on a local and global scale –> more permafrost melts –> further gas release and warming

Question 5

Negative feedback loops

Answer 5

Increased photosynthesis due to rising temps –> allows vegetation to grow in new areas –> absorbs more CO2 –> decreases warming effect

Higher temps and CO2 conc –> greater carbon fertilisation in plants –> absorb more CO2 –> reducing atmospheric CO2 –> decreasing warming effect