geog rainforest flash cards

Where are tropical rainforests located?

Around 5° north and south of the equator.

What is the typical climate of tropical rainforests?

Hot and wet all year round with constant temperatures (~26°C) and over 2000mm rainfall annually.

What percentage of the Amazon Rainforest lies in Brazil?

About 70%.

Name three other countries that the Amazon extends into.

Peru, Colombia, Bolivia (also Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana).

What percentage of water is recycled through evapotranspiration in the Amazon?

Around 60%.

What percentage of rainfall is intercepted by vegetation?

About 10%, making up to 25% of total evaporation.

What kind of rainfall is most common in the rainforest?

Convectional rainfall.

Why does the Amazon experience rapid runoff?

Much of it lies on impermeable crystalline rocks, reducing infiltration.

What is the average NPP in the Amazon?

Around 2,500 g/m²/year.

How much carbon does the Amazon absorb each year?

About 2.4 billion tonnes.

How much carbon can a large tree store?

Around 180 tonnes above ground and 40 tonnes below ground.

Why are rainforest soils low in carbon?

Rapid decomposition and leaching remove carbon quickly.

How does temperature affect the water cycle?

High temperatures increase evaporation, transpiration, and atmospheric moisture.

How does rock permeability affect water storage?

Impermeable crystalline rocks cause rapid runoff; permeable rocks like sandstone store more water.

What type of relief does most of the Amazon have?

Gentle relief with slow infiltration and overland flow.

What is the main type of soil found in the Amazon?

Yellow Latosols, rich in organic carbon (~240 tonnes per hectare).

What are the main human causes of deforestation in the Amazon?

Farming (especially cattle ranching), logging, and land clearance.

How much forest did Bolivia lose in 2024 compared to Brazil?

Bolivia lost 15,000 km²; Brazil lost 6,500 km².

What was the effect of deforestation on the Madeira River in 2014?

Flood levels rose nearly 20m above normal due to increased runoff.

How does deforestation affect rainfall?

It reduces evapotranspiration, potentially lowering regional rainfall by 20%.

What is Brazil’s reforestation commitment by 2030?

To restore 120,000 km² of rainforest.

What percentage of the Brazilian Amazon is protected by parks and reserves?

About 44%.

What is the Parica Project?

A sustainable forestry scheme in Rondônia aiming to replant 20 million trees over 4000 smallholdings.

What is the RECA Project?

An agroforestry project in Acre, Brazil, restoring 6000 ha of forest to improve soil fertilit