Amazon Rainforest

• What does the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) represent?

  The belt where rainforests are located
• How does the position of the sun affect Earth's climates?

  It influences temperature and weather patterns
• What does the Global Atmospheric Circulation (GAC) model explain?

  Cloud cover, formation, and precipitation patterns
• What are the names of the three cells in the GAC model?

  Polar, Ferrel, and Hadley cells
• How do high and low air pressure affect weather?

  They influence wind, precipitation, and temperature
• What are the impacts of high and low pressure on water stores?

  • High pressure: Sinking air, dry conditions
  • Low pressure: Rising air, precipitation
  • Affects hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere
• What percentage of the world's irrecoverable carbon is in the Amazon rainforest?

  23%
• What is the role of Indigenous peoples in decision-making about the Amazon?

  They have complex ancestral knowledge
• What is the main component of the water cycle in the Amazon rainforest?

  Evaporation and precipitation
• What are the main features of the water cycle in the Amazon rainforest?

  • High evaporation over the Atlantic
  • High precipitation throughout the year
  • 75% of rain intercepted by canopy
  • 25% infiltrates or flows into rivers
• How does temperature affect evaporation in the Amazon rainforest?

  Warm temperatures increase evaporation rates
• What are the four layers of vegetation in tropical rainforests?

  • Emergent layer
  • Canopy
  • Under Canopy
  • Shrub layer
• How does deforestation disrupt the water cycle?

  It reduces interception and alters precipitation
• What is an irrecoverable carbon store?

  A store vulnerable to carbon loss
• How has the Amazon's capacity as a carbon sink changed since the 1990s?

  It has decreased significantly
• What was the amount of CO2 absorbed by the Amazon in 1990s?

  2 billion tonnes
• What was the amount of CO2 absorbed by the Amazon in 2019?

  600 million tonnes
• What is the role of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO)?

  Promote sustainable development in the Amazon
• What are the objectives of the ACTO project on deforestation monitoring?

  • Generate information on forest cover
  • Develop national monitoring plans
  • Strengthen technical capacity in member countries
• What is a negative feedback loop in the rainforest?

  Processes that stabilize the ecosystem
• How does the surge in tree deaths affect carbon cycles?

  It reduces carbon absorption capacity
• What is the significance of Indigenous peoples in protecting irrecoverable carbon?

  They maintain ancestral knowledge of sustainability
• What is the main focus of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty?

  Harmonious development of Amazonian territories
• What is the vision of ACTO?

  Achieve sustainable development in the Amazon
• What is the impact of high rates of interception in the Amazon rainforest?

  Reduces surface runoff and groundwater flow
• How does increased atmospheric CO2 affect above-ground biomass?

  It leads to an increase in biomass
• What is the trend in wildfires in the Amazon in 2019?

  Increased frequency and intensity
• What correlation exists between temperature and wildfire distribution?

  Higher temperatures increase wildfire occurrence
• Why is it important to study the Amazon rainforest?

  It plays a crucial role in global cycles
• How do environmental changes in the Amazon affect global climate?

  They contribute to global warming and carbon loss
• What is the significance of monitoring deforestation in the Amazon?

  To manage and protect forest resources
• How does the Amazon rainforest contribute to the global carbon cycle?

  It acts as a significant carbon sink
• What are the long-term impacts of deforestation on the Amazon's carbon cycle?

  It leads to decreased carbon storage capacity
• What is the relationship between the Amazon rainforest and global biodiversity?

  It is a critical habitat for many species
• How does the Amazon rainforest influence local weather patterns?

  It increases humidity and precipitation levels
• What are the implications of climate change for the Amazon rainforest?

  Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns
• What role do trees play in the water cycle of the Amazon rainforest?

  They intercept rainfall and release moisture
• How does the Amazon rainforest affect global climate regulation?

  It helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels
• What is the impact of human activity on the Amazon rainforest?

  It leads to deforestation and habitat loss
• What is the significance of the Amazon rainforest for Indigenous peoples?

  It supports their livelihoods and culture