Natural Factors Leading to a Change - Wild fires

Question 1

Are forests a carbon sink or source?

Answer 1

Sink.

Through the process of photosynthesis where trees absorb co2.

Question 2

What happens if a wild fires occurred within the forest?

Answer 2

They will be burnt.
Carbon released back into atmosphere as co2.
Rapid transfer of carbon from biomass to atmosphere.
Less photosynthesis occurring to less carbon removed from atmosphere.

Question 3

How can wildfires be advantageous?

Answer 3

New growth/rejuvenation.
Nutrients returned in soil.
New vegetation can reabsorb more co2 - this provides natural balance and negative feedback loop.
Equilibrium.

Question 4

Negative of wildfires?

Answer 4

Frequent human endorsed fires is threatening balance.

We may not let negative feedback take place.

Question 5

Naturally started by?

Answer 5

Lightening strikes.

Having a regional impact.

Question 6

Give an example of an area which received loads of wildfires?

Answer 6

1997-2003 Indonesia.
Smoke spread across SE Asia.
Released lots of co2 into atmosphere.
Forests became carbon source.