Question on Natural Vegetation: Impact of deforestation on the environment

With reference to examples, how does the loss of the rainforest impact the
physical environment? [7]

1. Decrease in species of flora and fauna … extinction
2. Upset in nutrient cycle- no decomposition of leaves whi is important
   
3. For formation of humus which makes soil fertily
   • Accelerated soil erosion--
   • Soil erosion-No Vegetation (roots, bind soil, retain moisture) ---
   no protective cover to intercept and break impact of rain)
   ¨ loss in soil fertility/ loss of top soil..deforested … loss of protection, inc rate of surface runoff, reduce infiltration, accel soil erosion. topsoil loses fertility
   
4. Increases flooding downstream …
   • runoff,
   • sediments deposited
   
5. Raises river bed, decreases depth
   • Increase water pollution
6. Disruption to hydrological cycle
   • 50% of O2 ss fr rainforest
7. Decrease in forest leads to global warming as CO2 inc
   • 25% fresh h2o ss from the Amazon Basin
   • Less rainfall … decrease in trees … decrease in transpiration … decrease in moisture /vapour