tropical rainforest mindmap cards Flashcards
tutor2u mindmap (29 cards)
annual rainfall
receives over 2,000 mm of rainfall
annually
trees influence on water cycle
Trees release vast amounts of water vapour into the
atmosphere through evapotranspiration, contributing to
cloud formation and further rainfall
* Trees also release condensation nuclei, around which raindrops can
form
carbon cycle in the amazon rainforest
- The Amazon rainforest acts as a significant carbon
sink, storing approximately 100 billion tonnes of carbon
in its vegetation - Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis,
converting it into biomass (trunks, branches, leaves) - Decomposition and respiration release stored carbon back
into the atmosphere - Deforestation and land-use changes can turn the Amazon
from a carbon sink into a carbon source, contributing to
climate change - The Amazon maintains high net primary productivity (NPP), capturing
large amounts of carbon despite nutrient-poor soils - Indigenous forest management practices help maintain the forest’s role
as a carbon sink in comparison to large scale cattle ranching practices
what is the ITCZ- intertropical concegence zone
The ITCZ is a narrow band of intense precipitation and rising
air near the equator, where the northerly and southerly trade winds converge.
how does the intertropical convergence zone impact tropical rainforests
- This convergence leads to high levels of rainfall in the Amazon, supporting the dense
vegetation and the processes of evapotranspiration and photosynthesis - The ITCZ’s position and intensity can affect the distribution and amount of rainfall in
the Amazon, impacting the water cycle and, consequently, the carbon cycle - Changes in 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
amazon river plume
Extends into the Atlantic Ocean and influences
ocean nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration
climate regulation
The Amazon’s water and carbon cycles are crucial
for regional and global climate regulation – changes in these cycles,
such as increased deforestation, can disrupt rainfall patterns and carbon storage,
exacerbating climate change.
how does agriculture impact deforestation
Grazing land: In Brazil, cattle ranching accounts for
approximately 80% of deforested land in the Amazon.
Vast areas of forest are cleared to create to graze cattle.
Plantations: Soybean production also leads to extensive
clearing with large-scale farming of soybeans, used in
animal feed and various products.
what is logging
Both commercial and illegal. Trees are cut down for timber,
which is sold for construction, furniture, and other uses.
what is selevtive logging
Targets high-value trees like mahogany
and teak, but it often leads to further forest degradation.
In the Tapajós National Forest in Brazil, logging operations have caused
extensive damage, even in areas designated for sustainable use.
what is mineral expraction and how does it impact the rainforest
E.g. gold, iron ore, and bauxite – large areas of forest are
cleared for mining, causing significant environmental damage.
Carajás Mine: The world’s largest iron ore mine, has led to
extensive deforestation. Mining operations often require the
construction of roads, staff housing, and other
infrastructure, which further contributes to forest loss.
how does infrastructure development influence the rainforest
Building roads: e.g. the Trans-Amazonian Highway opened
access to remote areas – leads to further deforestation by
opening up the forest to agriculture, logging, and mining.
Building dams and reservoirs for HEP: e.g. the Belo Monte
Dam, floods vast areas of forest, leading to habitat loss
and ecosystem disruption.
how does human settlement and population growth impact the rainforest
Put additional pressure on the forest as land is cleared
for housing, agriculture, and other needs. In the
Brazilian Amazon, the expansion of settlements like
Altamira has led to significant deforestation.
These settlements often serve as hubs for
further agricultural and logging activities.
how do illegal activities influence the rainforest
E.g. unauthorized logging and land grabbing, often occur in protected areas
and indigenous territories. Illegal logging operations in the Amazon frequently
involve the use of forged permits and cutting more than authorized quotas.
how does climate change influence the rainforest
Exacerbates the problem by increasing the frequency and severity of
droughts and fires. These 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 also
affects the Amazon’s ability to generate its own rainfall, further stressing the ecosystem.
how does deforestation affect the water
Deforestation reduces the
number of trees available for
evapotranspiration, a process
where trees release water vapor
into the atmosphere.
This reduction leads
to decreased cloud
formation and rainfall,
disrupting the water cycle.
how does deforestation affect carbon
Trees in the Amazon act as significant carbon sinks,
absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis
and storing it in their biomass. When trees are cut
down or burned, the stored carbon is released back
into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to
greenhouse gas emissions. This shift
can turn the Amazon from a carbon
sink Into a carbon source,
exacerbating global climate change
what is agroforestry
Integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes,
promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use.
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
disadvantage of agroforestry
Requires significant initial investment
and technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for
small-scale and indigenous farmers
what is sustainable logging
Sustainable logging ensures that timber extraction does not harm the forest’s long- term health – only certain trees are felled, allowing the forest to regenerate naturally so timber resources remain available for future generations.
socio economic benefits of sustainable logging
- Provides economic opportunities and supports local economies through job creation
- Generates revenue from timber sales while maintaining forest health
- Encourages the use of sustainable practices, reducing illegal logging activities
disadvantages of sustainable logging
Monitoring and enforcement of sustainable practices can be challenging,
leading to potential exploitation and illegal logging.
what is ecotourism
Promotes conservation by providing economic incentives
to protect natural areas.
