why are tress and mountains are so important in earth
Answer (2)
Trees and mountains are incredibly important for the Earth's well-being in a multitude of interconnected ways:Trees:Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen we need to breathe. They are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth."Carbon Sequestration: Trees store vast amounts of carbon dioxide in their wood, leaves, and soil, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Forests are major carbon sinks.Air Purification: Trees filter pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide from the air, improving air quality and reducing respiratory problems.Water Cycle Regulation: Tree canopies intercept rainfall, reducing the force of impact on the ground and preventing soil erosion. Their roots help the soil absorb water, which is then released slowly, regulating water flow and reducing the risk of floods and droughts. Forests also contribute to cloud formation through transpiration.Soil Health: Tree roots bind the soil, preventing erosion by wind and water. Fallen leaves and decaying wood enrich the soil with nutrients, making it fertile for other plants.Habitat and Biodiversity: Forests provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a vast array of plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.Climate Regulation: Trees provide shade, which cools the local environment. Through evapotranspiration, they release moisture into the air, further contributing to cooling and influencing regional climate patterns.Water Purification: Forested watersheds act as natural filters, removing pollutants and sediments from rainwater, ensuring cleaner drinking water for communities.Economic and Social Benefits: Forests provide timber, fuelwood, and non-timber products, supporting livelihoods for billions of people. They also offer recreational spaces and have cultural and spiritual significance.Mountains:Water Towers of the World: Mountains play a crucial role in the water cycle. They intercept air masses, forcing them to rise and cool, leading to condensation and precipitation (rain and snow). Snowpack and glaciers in the mountains store vast amounts of freshwater, which is released gradually as meltwater, feeding rivers and supplying water to downstream areas, often supporting large populations and agriculture.Biodiversity Hotspots: Mountains often have a wide range of habitats due to variations in altitude, slope, and aspect, leading to high levels of biodiversity and endemism (species found nowhere else).Climate Regulation: Mountain ranges can influence regional and even global climate patterns by acting as barriers to air masses and affecting wind and precipitation distribution. They can create rain shadows, leading to dry areas on their leeward side.Erosion Control and Soil Formation: While steep slopes can be prone to erosion, the vegetation on mountains helps stabilize the soil. Weathering of rocks in the mountains contributes to soil formation over long periods.Natural Barriers and Defense: Mountains can act as natural barriers, influencing migration patterns, providing defense, and shaping human settlements.Resource Provision: Mountains are sources of various resources, including minerals, timber (in forested mountains), and potential for hydroelectric power.Tourism and Recreation: Mountainous regions often attract tourists for their scenic beauty, outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, contributing to local economies.Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Mountains hold cultural and spiritual importance for many communities around the world, often considered sacred sites.Climate Change Indicators: Glaciers and snowpack in mountains are sensitive to temperature changes, making them important indicators of global warming. Their melting can have significant impacts on water availability downstream.In essence, trees and mountains are vital components of the Earth's life support systems. They are essential for clean air and water, climate regulation, biodiversity, and the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants, including us. Their protection and preservation are crucial for a sustainable future.
Mountains cover 24% of the Earth's land surface, are home to 12% of the global population, and include 28% of the world's forests. Mountain forests provide a wide range of benefits to both mountain and downstream populations, notably the protection of watersheds and of transport infrastructure.
