nature of the rainfall requires the storage of water from one season to the next.
The rainforest surrounding the lake traditionally played a major role by
absorbing rainwater and releasing it slowly; however, due to recent
deforestation of the land around the lake, rain flows rapidly down through the
deforested slopes, carrying silt into the lake. The excess water is spilled out
into the ocean. This results in a shortfall during the dry season and silt buildup
in the lake, which must be periodically dredged.(a) Describe:(i) the climate you might expect to find on your trip to the tropical forest.
Your response must include descriptions about temperature and
precipitation and the reasons why they are that way.
(ii) what type of vegetation is found in a tropical rainforest. Your response
must include descriptions of both trees and the shrub layer.
(iii) what you would expect the soil quality to be like in the tropical
rainforest.(b) Your class decided to do some water quality testing while visiting Gatún
Lake. Given the history and current status of the lake, describe one water
quality test that your class might want to do and why you chose that test.(c) Describe:(i) deforestation and its effects on the hydrologic cycle in the tropical
rainforest.
(ii) one cause of deforestation in the Amazon basin.Answer