How Will Global Warming Affect the Tropical Rainforest
Over the past couple of decades, global average temperatures have risen by almost 0.85 °C (IPCC). Throughout the remainder of this century we will experience an increase in average temperatures of between 1.4 °C and 5.8 °C. This is largely due to increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, significant changes in rainfall patterns, and extreme dry and hot periods in other regions (Houghton et al. 2001). Such events will have a considerable effect on the tropical rainforest. While vegetation model simulation predict that we will lose 90% of tropical rainforest flora and fauna by the turn of the century, there’s debate in the scientific community whether the effects could lead to a possible …show more content…
2011) As a result, studies are mostly focused on observation. Rainforests, like all forms of vegetation, affect the "surface albedo" or reflectivity of a surface by absorbing more heat than bare soil. In turn, this warm carries moisture from forest trees into to atmosphere, where it condenses as rain (Rhett Buttler) but for the case of Costa Rica’s rainforest, they are noticing clouds are forming higher than usual which are causing drying of the rainforest which affects flora and fauna. (holly). In 2010 a massive drought hit the Amazon, affecting a region of about 1.06 million square miles where vegetation died off …show more content…
He planted 10 seedlings from a tropical rainforest trees in a greenhouse. Some seedlings were allowed to grow in the same conditions as the rainforest, around 78 degrees fahrenheit. Others, he subjected them to a daily temperature of 95F and a peak of 102F. The results were surprisingly different from what we've grown accustomed to. Majority of the seedlings didn't die. Infact most of them thrived; growing faster and bigger under the warmer temperature. Just two species died from the extreme temperature.(Slot et al. 2014 Rey‐Sánchez et al 2014) Winter’s experiment concurs with PETM period where the Amazon thrived. Moreover, The concept, known as the pump theory holds that it is condensation from forests, and not temperature differences, that drives the winds which bring precipitation over land(Gorshkov et al. 2007 Makarieva et al 2007). The theory is hotly
Over the past couple of decades, global average temperatures have risen by almost 0.85 °C (IPCC). Throughout the remainder of this century we will experience an increase in average temperatures of between 1.4 °C and 5.8 °C. This is largely due to increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, significant changes in rainfall patterns, and extreme dry and hot periods in other regions (Houghton et al. 2001). Such events will have a considerable effect on the tropical rainforest. While vegetation model simulation predict that we will lose 90% of tropical rainforest flora and fauna by the turn of the century, there’s debate in the scientific community whether the effects could lead to a possible …show more content…
2011) As a result, studies are mostly focused on observation. Rainforests, like all forms of vegetation, affect the "surface albedo" or reflectivity of a surface by absorbing more heat than bare soil. In turn, this warm carries moisture from forest trees into to atmosphere, where it condenses as rain (Rhett Buttler) but for the case of Costa Rica’s rainforest, they are noticing clouds are forming higher than usual which are causing drying of the rainforest which affects flora and fauna. (holly). In 2010 a massive drought hit the Amazon, affecting a region of about 1.06 million square miles where vegetation died off …show more content…
He planted 10 seedlings from a tropical rainforest trees in a greenhouse. Some seedlings were allowed to grow in the same conditions as the rainforest, around 78 degrees fahrenheit. Others, he subjected them to a daily temperature of 95F and a peak of 102F. The results were surprisingly different from what we've grown accustomed to. Majority of the seedlings didn't die. Infact most of them thrived; growing faster and bigger under the warmer temperature. Just two species died from the extreme temperature.(Slot et al. 2014 Rey‐Sánchez et al 2014) Winter’s experiment concurs with PETM period where the Amazon thrived. Moreover, The concept, known as the pump theory holds that it is condensation from forests, and not temperature differences, that drives the winds which bring precipitation over land(Gorshkov et al. 2007 Makarieva et al 2007). The theory is hotly