Deforestation Feedbacks
Lesson notes
Overview
Removing forest raises CO₂, reduces rainfall and may push ecosystems toward savanna. This topic is rated advanced and is number 94 of 98 in Earth & Space. Deeper models, formal results and harder reasoning.
What you are seeing
The panel above shows the steps of a process, laid out in order. Click a step to see what happens next. The animation is drawn live from the model, so everything you see responds to the sliders. Press Space to pause, use Restart to replay from the start, and change the speed to slow down quick events.
In depth
Cutting down forests releases stored carbon as CO₂ and removes a sink, but also changes local climate. Trees pump water into the air by transpiration, which makes rain, so losing forest can reduce rainfall and lengthen dry seasons. In the Amazon, scientists warn that beyond roughly 20 to 25% deforestation, the forest might flip into a drier savanna, a tipping point with global consequences. Protecting and restoring forests is among the most effective climate actions.
Reading the relationship
The expression "tipping point" is a compact summary of the idea. It uses the symbols t, i, p, n, g, o; name what each one stands for before you start. Then use the sliders to see how changing one quantity changes the others.
A guided exploration
1. Run the animation once with the default settings and describe in words what happens. 2. Change one slider at a time and note which quantity responds most. 3. Push each slider to its extreme and decide whether the result still makes sense.
Try this
Try to explain why the pattern holds, not just what it is. Look for limiting cases and what happens at the edges.
Common pitfalls
Earth and space systems work on very different scales of time and distance. Check which scale a number refers to before comparing it with another.
How it connects
It builds on “Coral Reef Bleaching”, the topic before it in Earth & Space. Once you are comfortable, continue with “Urban Heat Islands”.
Why it matters
Earth and space science helps us understand our planet, its climate and the wider universe.
Where you might use it
- Revising “Deforestation Feedbacks” before a class, exam or certification
- Forecasting weather and understanding climate records and their uncertainty
- Planning for earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards in cities
- Interpreting satellite images, space missions and the age of rocks and stars
Frequently asked questions
What is Deforestation Feedbacks?
Removing forest raises CO₂, reduces rainfall and may push ecosystems toward savanna. It is an advanced topic in Earth & Space.
How do I use the Deforestation Feedbacks simulation?
The panel at the top shows the steps of a process, laid out in order. Click a step to see what happens next. Move the sliders one at a time, then press Space to pause the animation and look closer.
What does the formula mean?
The expression tipping point packs the idea into symbols. Name each symbol first, then change one quantity with the sliders and see which others respond.
Who is this topic for?
Deeper models, formal results and harder reasoning. If the quiz feels hard, reread the lesson notes and try the previous topic first.
What should I learn before this?
Start with “Coral Reef Bleaching”, the previous topic in Earth & Space. Each topic in a subject builds on the ones before it.
How do I track my progress?
Press “Mark as learned” on this page. Progress is stored only in this browser and is never sent anywhere. The Browse page can show topics you have learned or still need to learn.