Tropical Rainforest Case Study: The Amazon Flashcards
Where is the Amazon rainforest located?
It is in South America, covering parts of nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
What is the size and biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest? (4 things)
Covers nearly 6 million km²
Home to 34 million people
Contains 40,000+ plant species, 400 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 3,000 fish species
Holds a fifth of the Earth’s carbon biomass
What role does the Amazon River play in the water cycle?
The Amazon River discharges 175,000 cumecs of water into the ocean daily, transporting water through the ecosystem.
How does precipitation behave in the Amazon? (3 things)
Average annual rainfall: 2,300mm (can reach 6,000mm in some areas).
Interception: Dense vegetation intercepts much of the rainfall.
Evapotranspiration: 70% of rainfall is cycled back to the atmosphere.
How does deforestation affect the Amazon’s water cycle? (3 things)
Less interception, increasing surface runoff and flooding.
Reduced evapotranspiration, leading to drier conditions and fewer rain clouds.
Loss of tree roots reduces soil moisture, decreasing infiltration.
Why is the Amazon an important carbon sink?
It holds 90-140 billion tons of carbon, playing a key role in global carbon sequestration.
How does increased CO₂ affect the Amazon rainforest? (2 things)
Initially, higher CO₂ boosts tree growth and biomass (negative feedback).
However, trees are now dying younger, reducing carbon absorption.
How does slash-and-burn agriculture impact the carbon cycle? (2 things)
Releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
Reduces the Amazon’s ability to act as a carbon sink.
What are the major causes of deforestation in the Amazon? (6 things)
Commercial farming (70%) – Cattle ranching, palm oil, sugar cane, coffee.
Logging – Hardwoods for furniture & pulp for paper.
Mining – Large iron ore, gold, and bauxite extraction sites (e.g., Carajás mine).
Hydroelectricity – Dams flood large areas (e.g., Balbina dam flooded 2,300 km²).
Infrastructure – Roads like the Trans-Amazonian Highway increase forest access.
Settlement expansion – Government encourages migration to reduce urban overcrowding.
How does deforestation impact Amazon soils? (3 things)
Less vegetation cover increases soil erosion.
Loss of deep tree roots reduces soil moisture and humidity.
Exposed soils absorb more heat, raising temperatures from 24°C to 33°C.
What percentage of the Amazon biome has already been lost?
20% of the Amazon biome has been deforested. If deforestation continues, 27% may be lost by 2030.
How does tree removal impact rainfall? (3 things)
Less evapotranspiration, fewer rain clouds form.
More surface runoff, increasing river discharge and flooding.
Higher temperatures lead to lower humidity and less rainfall.
How does deforestation affect biodiversity? (2 things)
Species adapted to humid conditions struggle to survive in hotter, drier environments.
Soil washed into rivers disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
What are some conservation efforts in the Amazon? (3 things)
Reforestation to restore tree cover and timber supply.
Government action, e.g., Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO).
National parks & forest reserves (e.g., Para Rainforest Reserve).
What is sustainable development, and how can it help?
Sustainable development balances economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring resources are available for future generations.
