B3.4.2 Deforestation and the destruction of areas of peat Flashcards
Why are forests / rainforests vital?
They provide unique habitats for many unique species.
They act as a carbon sink, trapping away lots of carbon in their biomass.
What is deforestation?
The large scale clearing of forests.
What are the main reasons for deforestation?
- To provide timber as a fuel or building material
- To provide extra land for agriculture
How does deforestation lead to an increase in the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
The burning of timber and microorganisms breaking down the remaining parts of the tree release carbon dioxide.
How does deforestation lead to a decrease in the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere
There are less trees and so less carbon dioxide is absorbed and ‘locked away’ in the plant biomass by photosynthesis.
What is biodiversity?
The number of different species and the variations within and around a species.
How does deforestation leads to reduction in biodiversity?
Deforestation destroys the habitat of many organisms and so they die and may become extinct.
What is the agricultural land gained by deforestation used for?
- To grow rice in paddy fields
- Crops to produce biofuels
- Rearing cattle
How does rearing more cattle lead to global warming?
Cattle produce methane which is a greenhouse gas that contributes more to global warming than carbon dioxide.
What is peat?
Partially decomposed plant matter in waterlogged places that contains lots of locked away carbon - a carbon sink.
What are the valuable properties of peat when mixed with soil?
Improved soil structure, mineral retention, water retention and acidity.
How can peat be used as a fuel?
It can be dried and burnt as it contains a lot of biomass.
How does the destruction of peat bogs contribute to global warming?
Burning peat releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Mixing peat with soil causes it to decompose, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Why are peat-free composts increasing in importance?
Not using peat releases less carbon dioxide and destroys less habitats.
