The Amazon Rainforest - Human Activity

Question 1

How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

• Less trees = more atmospheric CO2 which worsens the EGE and global warming
• Less leaf litter = less humus is formed which means the soil can’t support new growth = less carbon absorbed
• The Amazon has been decreasing by 0.3% since 2000

Question 2

How does deforestation through burning affect the carbon cycle?

Answer 2

• 30-60% of carbon is immediately released back into the atmosphere

Question 3

How does deforestation affect the water cycle

Answer 3

• Evapotranspiration decreases due to the decrease in vegetation
• Less vegetation means that there will be more surface runoff which leads to more flooding