Tropical Rainforest Case Study

• Where is the Amazon rainforest located?

  South America
• Which countries does the Amazon rainforest extend into?

  Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana
• What percentage of the Amazon rainforest is located in Brazil?

  70%
• What is the total area covered by the Amazon rainforest?

  6 million km²
• What type of trees dominate the Amazon rainforest?

  Tall, evergreen, hardwood trees
• What physical barriers are present in Amazonia?

  Andes Mountains (west) and sea (east)
• How does rainfall affect the Amazon rainforest?

  Increases run-off and supports plant growth
• What is the average annual temperature range in Amazonia?

  25°C to 30°C
• What is the average annual rainfall in Amazonia?

  More than 2000 mm
• What percentage of precipitation is recycled by evapotranspiration in Amazonia?

  50% to 60%
• Why is there significant cloud cover in Amazonia?

  To prevent maximum temperatures like deserts
• What type of rainfall is common in Amazonia?

  Convectional rainfall
• What are the main patterns of temperature and rainfall at Manaus?

  High temperatures and significant convectional rainfall
• How does high temperature affect the water cycle in Amazonia?

  It generates high rates of evapotranspiration
• What is the impact of high temperatures on atmospheric conditions in Amazonia?

  Leads to high atmospheric humidity and thunderstorms
• How do rainforest trees influence the water cycle?

  They absorb water and release it through transpiration
• What is the net primary productivity (NPP) in Amazonia?

  Averages 2500 grams/m²/year
• How much carbon do large forest trees store above ground?

  About 180 tonnes C/ha
• What is the soil carbon storage range in Amazonia?

  Between 90 and 200 tonnes/ha
• How much carbon does the rainforest absorb per year?

  2.4 billion tonnes
• What role does temperature play in the carbon cycle in Amazonia?

  It speeds up decomposition of organic matter
• How does geology affect water storage in Amazonia?

  Impermeable rocks lead to rapid run-off
• How does relief influence water movement in Amazonia?

  Gentle relief allows for overland flow and throughflow
• What is the effect of high temperatures on the water cycle in Amazonia?

  They lead to high rates of evapotranspiration
• What is the impact of deforestation on the water cycle in the Madeira Basin?

  Reduces water storage and increases run-off
• How does deforestation affect precipitation in the Madeira Basin?

  Reduces evapotranspiration and precipitation
• What was the impact of the April 2014 flood on the Madeira River?

  60 people died and 68,000 families evacuated
• What human activities have modified the water cycle in the Madeira Basin?

  Deforestation and subsistence farming
• How does converting rainforest to grassland affect run-off?

  Increases run-off by a factor of 27
• What are the main physical factors affecting the water cycle in Amazonia?

  • Temperature
  • Geology (rock permeability and porosity)
  • Relief (slope)
• What are the main physical factors affecting the carbon cycle in Amazonia?

  • Temperature
  • Vegetation
  • Organic matter in soil
  • Mineral composition of rocks
• How do human activities impact the water and carbon cycles in Amazonia?

  • Deforestation reduces water storage and increases run-off
  • Farming decreases carbon storage and alters soil composition
• What strategies can be implemented to manage the tropical rainforest effectively?

  • Afforestation
  • Improved agricultural techniques
  • Sustainable resource management
• What are the consequences of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?

  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Increased carbon emissions
  • Altered water cycles and increased flooding
• What is the significance of the Madeira Basin in the Amazon River system?

  • Covers 1.3 million km²
  • Accounts for 15% of Amazon River's discharge
  • Contains complex geographical features
• What are the effects of high temperatures on the Amazon rainforest's ecosystem?

  • Promotes high rates of evapotranspiration
  • Supports diverse plant growth
  • Influences precipitation patterns
• How does the Amazon rainforest contribute to global carbon cycling?

  • Absorbs 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon annually
  • Acts as a significant carbon sink
  • Supports high net primary productivity
• What are the characteristics of the Amazon rainforest's climate?

  • High average temperatures (25°C to 30°C)
  • High annual rainfall (>2000 mm)
  • Small seasonal temperature variation
• What are the impacts of human-induced changes on the Amazon rainforest's water cycle?

  • Increased run-off and flooding risks
  • Reduced water storage in trees and soils
  • Altered precipitation patterns
• What are the main components of the Amazon rainforest's ecosystem?

  • Diverse flora and fauna
  • Complex water and carbon cycles
  • Interconnected physical and biological processes