EQ1- Amazon rainforest river basin

how large is the Amazon Drainage Basin

6.9 million km² across 9 countries

how large is the Amazon Drainage river

• the largest river in the world by discharge (209,000 m³/s)

• the second longest (6,400 km).

inputs into the Amazon Drainage Basin

• 2300mm from annual rainfall

• is in the ITCZ where pressure is low, meaning heavy rain

• march- sept is intense wet season

outputs into the Amazon Drainage Basin

• High river discharge into the Atlantic.

• Strong evapotranspiration rates contribute to the formation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
  

flows in the Amazon Drainage Basin

• High interception by dense canopy (75% of rainfall intercepted).

• Rapid infiltration due to porous, deep soils.

• Extensive surface storage in floodplains and wetlands.
  

what is the biggest issue in the amazon

• deforestation

how much of the amazon has been deforested

17% since 1970

why is deforesttaion bad

• less evapotranspiration in plants, reducing rainfall and casuing droughts

• mores surface run off which will increase flooding and soil erosion

what is the Brazil Forest Code

2012

landowners must keep 80% of virgin forest in the Amazon on their land

what is a protected area within the amazon

Tumucumaque National Park (3.9 million hectare).

why are protected areas important

• conservation through laws

• preservation for species

• used for education