The Amazon

Question 1

Carbon Cycle in Amazon

Answer 1

Dead trees emit estimated 1.9 billion tonnes of carbon/year
Absorbs around 2.2 billion tonnes of carbon/year
Recent years has seen emittance overtake absorbance - Carbon Source Instead of Sink

Question 2

Water Cycle in Amazon

Answer 2

Evapotranspiration causes 48% of Precipitation
Amazon has 20% of all river discharge globally
Relies more on Evapotranspiration than groundwater flow and percolation - Faster Cycle

Question 3

Impacts on Cycles

Answer 3

Carbon Source instead of Sink
Transpiration rates lowering
Flash Floods
Rainfall reduction - causing potential for wildfires and droughts
Biodiversity lowering
Increased Temperatures
Increased Soil Erosion and Decreased Soil Compaction

Question 4

Human Causes of Impacts

Answer 4

Deforestation
Agriculture
Logging
Mineral Extraction
Energy Development - Hydroelectric Dams Built
Population Growth - Settlements
Burning - Clearance

Question 5

Mitigation of Impacts

Answer 5

Reduce Fossil Fuels
Specific Area Protection
Change Infrastructure Planning
Education of Population
Alternative Energy and Material Resources
Investment in Conservation
Protection of Specific Species AND Indigenous Tribes