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5.2 Clearcutting

2 min readjanuary 2, 2023

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

M

Mark Little

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

M

Mark Little

Long Term Impact

is a method of logging in which one area is rapidly and thoroughly cleared of all its trees at once. This method is often used when the goal is to have a quick and complete harvest rather than cherry-pick certain plants from different areas.

can have significant impacts on the environment, like extreme disruption as well as . Wildlife that use these trees for shelter or resources are also depleted of their habitat. can also contribute to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon stored in the trees into the atmosphere.

Some alternatives to include , in which only certain trees are removed, and , in which small groups of trees are removed rather than all the trees in a given area. These methods can be less disruptive to the ecosystem and can allow the forest to regenerate more quickly.

One other concern to study regarding is the impact on air pollution by absorbing pollutants. Certain trees absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide, used for . Since plants use sunlight with water and CO2 to make sugar and food, the reduction of available plants leaves lots of unused CO2, which warms our planet.

is the most profitable method of harvesting timber but also causes the most damage to the environment. By taking all of the trees in a given area, the natural habitat is completely destroyed. Smaller trees are first taken out with to remove any obstructions, which reinforces the loss of soil due to complete uprooting. Additionally, the toxic contents of being introduced to the environment causes more damage. Leaving trees intact prevents damage to soil and to living beings and allows the forest to recover from any faster.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Lewis_and_Clark_River_2148s.JPG/799px-Lewis_and_Clark_River_2148s.JPG

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

🎥 Watch: AP Environmental Science - Agricultural Practices II

Key Terms to Review (9)

Anthropogenic climate change

: Anthropogenic climate change refers to changes in Earth's climate patterns caused by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts.

Clearcutting

: Clearcutting is a logging practice where all trees in a designated area are cut down, leaving no standing trees. This method is often used for commercial purposes and can have significant impacts on the ecosystem.

Deforestation

: Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests. It involves the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land for various purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.

Group or Patch Cutting

: Group or patch cutting is a logging technique where small groups or patches of trees are harvested while leaving other areas untouched. This method aims to mimic natural disturbances and maintain forest structure.

Habitat fragmentation

: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large areas of habitat are divided into smaller, isolated fragments due to human activities such as urbanization or deforestation. This separation can disrupt ecological processes and lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Pesticides

: Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill or control pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi. They are commonly used in agriculture to protect crops from damage but can also have negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Photosynthesis

: Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. It is vital for plant growth and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.

Selective Logging

: Selective logging is a logging technique where only certain trees are harvested while others are left untouched. This method aims to maintain biodiversity and reduce ecological damage compared to clearcutting.

Soil erosion

: Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from one location to another, usually due to natural forces like wind and water. It can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, making it difficult for plants to grow.

5.2 Clearcutting

2 min readjanuary 2, 2023

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

M

Mark Little

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

M

Mark Little

Long Term Impact

is a method of logging in which one area is rapidly and thoroughly cleared of all its trees at once. This method is often used when the goal is to have a quick and complete harvest rather than cherry-pick certain plants from different areas.

can have significant impacts on the environment, like extreme disruption as well as . Wildlife that use these trees for shelter or resources are also depleted of their habitat. can also contribute to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon stored in the trees into the atmosphere.

Some alternatives to include , in which only certain trees are removed, and , in which small groups of trees are removed rather than all the trees in a given area. These methods can be less disruptive to the ecosystem and can allow the forest to regenerate more quickly.

One other concern to study regarding is the impact on air pollution by absorbing pollutants. Certain trees absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide, used for . Since plants use sunlight with water and CO2 to make sugar and food, the reduction of available plants leaves lots of unused CO2, which warms our planet.

is the most profitable method of harvesting timber but also causes the most damage to the environment. By taking all of the trees in a given area, the natural habitat is completely destroyed. Smaller trees are first taken out with to remove any obstructions, which reinforces the loss of soil due to complete uprooting. Additionally, the toxic contents of being introduced to the environment causes more damage. Leaving trees intact prevents damage to soil and to living beings and allows the forest to recover from any faster.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Lewis_and_Clark_River_2148s.JPG/799px-Lewis_and_Clark_River_2148s.JPG

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

🎥 Watch: AP Environmental Science - Agricultural Practices II

Key Terms to Review (9)

Anthropogenic climate change

: Anthropogenic climate change refers to changes in Earth's climate patterns caused by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts.

Clearcutting

: Clearcutting is a logging practice where all trees in a designated area are cut down, leaving no standing trees. This method is often used for commercial purposes and can have significant impacts on the ecosystem.

Deforestation

: Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests. It involves the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land for various purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.

Group or Patch Cutting

: Group or patch cutting is a logging technique where small groups or patches of trees are harvested while leaving other areas untouched. This method aims to mimic natural disturbances and maintain forest structure.

Habitat fragmentation

: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large areas of habitat are divided into smaller, isolated fragments due to human activities such as urbanization or deforestation. This separation can disrupt ecological processes and lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Pesticides

: Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill or control pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi. They are commonly used in agriculture to protect crops from damage but can also have negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Photosynthesis

: Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. It is vital for plant growth and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.

Selective Logging

: Selective logging is a logging technique where only certain trees are harvested while others are left untouched. This method aims to maintain biodiversity and reduce ecological damage compared to clearcutting.

Soil erosion

: Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from one location to another, usually due to natural forces like wind and water. It can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, making it difficult for plants to grow.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.