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 of the Amazon rainforest?
Covers nearly 6 million km²
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 much precipitation is in the Amazon?
Average annual rainfall: 2,300mm (but it can reach 6,000mm in some areas).
How does deforestation affect the Amazon’s water cycle? (Give 3 different chains of reasoning)
- Less interception -> increasing surface runoff -> flooding.
- Reduced evapotranspiration -> drier conditions -> 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 in 2 ways?
- 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
- Logging
- Mining
- Hydroelectricity
- Infrastructure
- Settlement expansion
How does deforestation impact Amazon soils in 3 ways?
- 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.
How does tree removal impact rainfall? (3 things)
- Less evapotranspiration -> fewer rain clouds form.
- More surface runoff -> increasing river discharge and flooding.
- Higher temperatures -> lower humidity and less rainfall.
How does deforestation affect biodiversity in 2 ways?
- Species adapted to humid conditions struggle to survive in hotter, drier environments.
- Soil washed into rivers disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
What are some 3 conservation efforts in the Amazon?
- 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.
How much does commercial farming account in deforestation?
70%
What are the 4 types of commercial farming that occur in the Amazon?
- Cattle ranching
- palm oil
- sugar cane
- coffee.
What is logging?
the process of cutting down trees for various uses, primarily timber.
What does the Amazon log for?
Hardwoods for furniture & pulp for paper.
Why does mining happen in the amazon?
The amazon provides Large amounts of iron ore, gold, and bauxite extraction sites
Can you give an example of a mine located in the amazon?
Cajarás Mine
Give an example of a Dam which flooded large areas
Balbina dam flooded 2,300 km²
Give an example of infrastructure contributing to the deforestation in the Amazon?
Roads like the Trans-Amazonian Highway increase forest access.
Give an example of a mine in the Amazon
Carajás mine
