Deforestation,
or the clearing of trees, is a problem that affects the entire Amazon
Rainforest ecosystem. Studies have attempted to model the effects of
deforestation, yielding horrific predictions for the future of the
Deforestation caused an increase in erosion and flooding. Because tree
root systems hold the soil together, the removal of those roots leads to an
increase in the rates of flooding and erosion. The removal of trees also
means that less water will absorbed during the rainy season. The rainy season therefore, can have
devastating effects as heavy rains will be able to wash away vital,
nutrient-rich topsoil. This in turn
leads to decreased biodiversity and species richness.
The method of slash and
burn deforestation has a strong impact on the carbon cycle. On average,
the burning of one acre of tropical rainforest releases 180 metric tons of
carbon. In the atmosphere this carbon
bonds with oxygen to form CO2.
The methane
cycle is also affected by deforestation. Methane is created by floating
meadows[1]
and flooded forest, both of which are encouraged by deforestation. Researcher Laura Hess describes the role of
floating meadows in the methane cycle: "Floating meadows are very
productive, floating masses of grass. The[ir] stems elongate as the water rises
and a canopy develops at the top of the water. Grasses can reach several meters
in length and float at the top of the water. As water levels recede, the stems
begin to decay. This causes a bubbling of methane and high methane emissions"
(Hauser, 2002).
Deforestation can also cause increased methane production as a result of
increased flooding, and therefore wetland expansion. Methane in these wetland areas is produced as
the water in these areas cuts off the oxygen supply to the soil. This results in anaerobic fermentation, a
byproduct of which is methane.
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