5.2: Clearcutting

Question 1

Logging

Answer 1

Logging is effectively subsidized as the govt spends more money on management than it receives in royalties

Question 2

Clearcutting definition

Answer 2

Removing all or almost all the trees in an area

Question 3

Effect 1 of Clearcutting (Erosion)

Answer 3

Loss of root structure leads to erosion which can lead to sediment pollution, increased turbidity, increased water temps, growth of pathogens

Question 4

Effect 2 of Clearcutting (soil temperature)

Answer 4

Increased soil temp from loss of tree shade which increases soil temperature and lowers its albedo

Question 5

Effect 3 of Clearcutting (flooding and landslides)

Answer 5

Can lead to flooding and landslides as:
* logging machinery compacts soil
* Increases sunlight dries soil
* Loss of root structure = erosion
all of which decreases soil water holding capacity

Question 6

Tree Plantations

Answer 6

Areas where the same tree species are repeatedly planted, grown, harvested

Question 7

Effect of Tree Plantations

Answer 7

There’s less biodiversity as mature forests are replaced with single species forest and with less diversity comes less resilience. Additionally with the trees being the same age, biodiversity is lowered furthered (no dead trees for woodpeckers, insects, decomposers)

Question 8

What benefits do forests provide us with?

Answer 8

• Filtering of pollutants (stomata removes PM from air)
• Removal & storage of carbon dioxide from atm. as sugar, wood
• Provide us with oxygen
• Serves as habitat for organisms

Question 9

Consequences of deforestation

Answer 9

• Reduces air filtering and carbon storing
• Cutting down trees releases carbon dioxide from decomposition of leftover organic matter
• Slash and burn releases carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor (GHGs)