Water & Carbon Cycles - Tropical Rainforest Case Study Flashcards
How much rainfall does the Amazon Rainforest receive annually?
Approximately 4000mm
Water cycle in the Amazon
- Trees release water vapour through evapotranspiration, contributing to cloud formation and further rainfall
- Trees release condensation nuclei, around which raindrops can form
Example of water cycle in the Amazon
Tanguro Ranch - land that had previously been rainforesr was converted into cattle grazing and now only 850mm of rainfall in comparison to 4000mm.
Where does the water cycle move through in the Amazon?
Andes Mountains -> Amazon Rainforest -> Atlantic Ocean
How much carbon does the Amazon Rainforest store?
- 100 billion tonnes in just vegetation
- 150-200 billion tonnes total across trees, soil and vegetation
Carbon cycle in the Amazon
- Trees absorb CO2 in photosynthesis and convert it into biomass
- Decomposition and respiration release stored carbon into the atmosphere
- Deforestation changes the Amazon from a carbon sink to a carbon source
What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
The ITCZ is a critical component of the tropical rain belt, significantly influencing the Amazon’s water and carbon cycles. It is a narrow band of intense precipitation and rising air near the equator, where the northerly and southerly trade winds converge.
What happens as a result of the ITCZ?
- High levels of rainfall in the Amazon
- ITCZ’s position and intensity can affect the distribution and amount of rainfall in the Amazon, impacting the water and the carbon cycle
- Changes to the ITCZ due to climate change can alter rainfall patterns, potentially affecting the Amazon’s ability to sequester carbon and maintain its role as a carbon sink.
How does illegal activites lead to deforestation?
- Unauthorised logging and land grabbing in protected areas
- Forged permits and exceeding quotas
How agriculture lead to deforestation?
- Grazing land - In Brazil, cattle ranching accounts for 80% of deforested land in the Amazon
- Plantations - soybean production leads to extensive clearing with large scales of soybeans used in animal feed and various products
How does mineral extraction lead to deforestation?
- Large areas of forest are cleared for mining, causing significant environmental damage
- Carajas Mine - the world’s largest iron ore mine, which has led to extensive deforestation as it requires construction of roads, housing and other infrastructure
How does infrastructure development lead to deforestation?
- Building roads - the Transamazonian Highway opened access to remote areas, this leads to further deforestation by opening up the forest for agriculture, logging and mining due to increased accessibility
- Building dams and reservoirs - Belo Monte Dam floods vast areas of forest, leading to habitat loss and ecosystem disruption
How does human settlements and population growth lead to deforestation?
- Land is cleared for housing, agriculture and other needs
- Brazilian Amazon - expansion of settlements like Altamlra has led to significant deforestation
- These settlements often serve as hubs for further agricultural and logging settlements
How does deforestation lead to climate change?
- Exacerbates the problem by increasing the frequency and severity of droughts and fires
- Fires can be both natural and human induced leading to significant forest loss
- The Amazon experienced severe droughts in 2005 and 2010, which resulted in widespread forest fires and significant deforestation
- Climate change aslo affects the Amazon’s ability to generate its own rainfall, further stressing the ecosystem
How does logging lead to deforestation?
- Both commercial and illegal logging
- Trees are cut down to use for timber and sold for construction and furniture
- Selective logging - targets high-value trees such as mahogany and teak but often leads to forest degradation
How does agroforestry lead to the sustainable management of the Amazon?
Integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use.
What is an example of agroforestry in the Amazon?
Tomé-Açu Cooperative in Pará, Brazil – farmers grow crops like cacao and açaí alongside native trees, enhancing soil fertility, reducing erosion, and providing diverse income sources.
What are the socio-economic benefits of agroforestry?
- Provides stable income for small farmers by diversifying crops and products
- Restores degraded lands, improving long-term agricultural productivity
- Reduces dependency on single-crop farming, enhancing food security
What are some disadvanatges to using agroforestry to sustainably manage the Amazon?
Requires significant initial investment and technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for small-scale and indigenous farmers
How does ecotourism lead to the sustainable management of the Amazon?
Promotes conservation by providing economic incentives to protect natural areas.
What is an example of ecotourism in the Amazon?
The Yachana Lodge in Ecuador – located in a remote area of the Amazon, it employs local people and supports community development while minimizing environmental impact. Visitors learn about the rainforest and its conservation, fostering a deeper appreciation and commitment to its protection.
What are the socio-economic benefits of ecotourism?
- Generates employment opportunities for local communities
- Supports cultural preservation by involving indigenous communities in tourism activities
- Provides funding for conservation projects and wildlife protection
What are some disadvantages to using ecotourism to sustainably manage the Amazon?
Can lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly, such as over-visitation and habitat disturbance.
How does sustainable logging lead to the sustainable management of the Amazon?
Sustainable logging ensures that timber extraction does not harm the forest’s longterm health – only certain trees are felled, allowing the forest to regenerate naturally so timber resources remain available for future generations
