Saharan Dust's Impact on Amazon

The Amazon rainforest receives essential nutrients from an ancient dried-up lake bed, once part of Lake Mega Chad, now rich in phosphorus. Trade winds carry Saharan dust, containing these nutrients, across the Atlantic to the Amazon, depositing about 28 million tons annually, aiding plant growth.

What was the original source of nutrients for the Amazon rainforest?

• The Pacific Ocean

• A modern lake in Africa

• An ancient dried-up lake bed

• The Andes Mountains

What essential nutrient is found in the dried-up lake bed?

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Calcium

• Nitrogen

How do the nutrients from the dried-up lake bed reach the Amazon rainforest?

• Transported by human activity

• Carried by trade winds

• Via animal migration

• Through river systems

How much Saharan dust is deposited in the Amazon rainforest each year?

• 10 million tons

• 100 million tons

• 28 million tons

• 50 million tons

What role does Saharan dust play in the Amazon rainforest?

• It blocks sunlight

• It increases rainfall

• It causes deforestation

• It provides essential nutrients