In the past 40 years, 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed.The forest is still being lost at a rate of 20,000 square miles per year.What changes in world climate are we likely to see as this deforestation continues?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a reduction in evapotranspiration, which is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. This leads to a decrease in cloud formation, which in turn causes a decrease in precipitation. At the same time, a reduction in plant cover means more solar radiation is absorbed, leading to an increase in temperature. Therefore, as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest continues, we are likely to see a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature.

In the Past 40 Years, 20 Percent of the Amazon