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Describe the specific climatic characteristics experienced in one biome that you have studied and examine the impact of these specific climatic characteristics on soils and vegetation in this biome. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2020
Question 18
Describe the specific climatic characteristics experienced in one biome that you have studied and examine the impact of these specific climatic characteristics on so... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the specific climatic characteristics experienced in one biome that you have studied and examine the impact of these specific climatic characteristics on soils and vegetation in this biome. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2020
Step 1
Describe the specific climatic characteristics
Answer
In studying the tropical rainforest biome, several key climatic characteristics can be identified.
- High Temperature: Tropical rainforests experience consistently high temperatures, averaging between 20°C to 30°C throughout the year.
- High Humidity: Relative humidity levels are typically high, often exceeding 80%.
- Substantial Rainfall: These biomes receive heavy rainfall, often exceeding 2000 mm annually, distributed throughout the year without a distinct dry season.
- Stable Weather Patterns: Weather conditions remain relatively constant, which contributes to the rich biodiversity and dense vegetation present in this biome.
Step 2
Examine the impact of these specific climatic characteristics on soils and vegetation
Answer
The specific climatic characteristics of tropical rainforests have profound impacts on both soils and vegetation:
- Impact on Soils: The continual rainfall contributes to significant leaching, which can deplete essential nutrients from the soil. As a result, the soils, often called lateritic soils, are typically low in fertility. However, they support a diverse range of vegetation through nutrient recycling processes.
- Impact on Vegetation: The high temperatures and humidity favor rapid plant growth and support a wide array of species. The densely packed trees have adapted to reach upwards, forming a multi-layered canopy that shelters many understory plants. This lush vegetation is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem's biodiversity and stabilizing the soil.