In this article, we will discuss the standard drought witnessed in the Amazon and the severity of the situation expected in the coming months. Scientists will inform Nature magazine about the reasons behind the rainforest’s drought and what can be anticipated for the future.
Declining River Levels in the Amazon
The rivers flowing through the Amazon rainforest are experiencing a decline in their water levels. Last month, the Negro River in the Amazon near Manaus, Brazil, dropped to a depth of just 12.7 meters – the lowest level in 120 years since measurements began. In Lake Tefe, located about 500 kilometers to the west, over 150 river dolphins were found dead, not due to falling water levels but perhaps because water temperatures in the lake approached 40 degrees Celsius.
Impact of Drought on Plant and Animal Life
The standard drought in the Amazon poses a significant threat to the region’s plant and animal life. The rainforest relies on significant amounts of rainfall to maintain its ecological balance. Due to the lack of rain, both vegetation and wildlife face shortages of water and food, leading to deteriorating health conditions and increased mortality rates.
Impact of Drought on Global Climate
The Amazon is one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, containing vast amounts of plants and trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As the rainforest deteriorates due to drought, this stored carbon may be released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and climate change.
Future Expectations
According to scientists, the drought in the Amazon is expected to continue in the coming months. This may result in greater deterioration of plant and animal life and an increase in mortality rates. Drought may also lead to changes in global climate and a rise in temperatures worldwide.
Overall, the standard drought in the Amazon presents a significant challenge facing the entire world. Governments and environmental organizations must take immediate action to preserve the Amazon rainforest and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the region.
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