How does the immediate climate impact differ when clearing a tropical rainforest compared to managed temperate woodland decomposition?
Answer
The immediate atmospheric pulse from clearing a tropical rainforest is often far more abrupt and severe in the short term.
While both forest types store carbon, the rate of turnover and composition differ. The destruction of tropical rainforests releases stored carbon abruptly, creating a severe short-term pulse to the atmosphere compared to the slower release often associated with temperate woodland decomposition.
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