water and carbon -amazon rainforest case study (from sink to source)

Question 1

what does from sink to source mean?

Answer 1

.the amazon rainforest used to be classed as a carbon sink as it would typically absorb 2.2 billion tons of CO2 whereas in 2020 it was found that 20% of the amazon was no longer a carbon sink but more a source of carbon

Question 2

what has been assumed about increased atmospheric carbon levels?

Answer 2

.that these increased atmospheric carbon levels would stimulate biomass growth and regulate the emission rise

Question 3

what has come to light about rainforests recently?

Answer 3

.while rainforest plants grow faster, they also die sooner

Question 4

why do rainforest plants grow fast but die sooner?

Answer 4

.because of drought, unusually high temps, continues illegal logging and conversion to agriculture

Question 5

what role do warmer temperatures play in the increased levels of atmospheric carbon?

Answer 5

.warmer temps also increase rates of decomposition and respiration, so the output of carbon from rainforests to the atmosphere will increase

Question 6

what is the rainforest under threat from?

Answer 6

.both direct human activity and climate change