the amazon rainforest case study

Question 1

key facts

Answer 1

the amazon stores 120Gtc of carbon in total
3 Gtc of carbon stored per year
2000+ mm of rainfall per year

Question 2

water cycle in the amazon

Answer 2

water evaporated directly from rivers

only 30% of water makes it to the sea due to high interception by vegetation and rapid evaporation

Question 3

carbon cycle in the amazon

Answer 3

high amounts of carbon hence trees and plants grow fast and die young
high productivity due to photosynthesis
leaf litter when leaves carbon decomposes

Question 4

explain how human activity has influenced the water cycle

Answer 4

fewer organic salts and fibres being released through transpiration resulting in less rainfall
water directly evaporated from the rivers
cumulous clouds forming reducing less rainfall

Question 5

human activity in the amazon

Answer 5

deforestation for cattle makes up 70% whereas logging makes up 2-3%
Brazil are the 6th largest polluter
20,000 trees were felled each year between 2000 and 2007 resulting increased soil erosion