Understanding Peatlands and Their Impact

What is the primary focus of Brett Azhagi's research?

• Developing new agricultural techniques

• Studying the biodiversity of rainforests

• Exploring marine ecosystems

• Analyzing the carbon storage capacity of peatlands

What makes peatlands significant in terms of carbon storage?

• They are primarily used for agriculture

• They are made of fully decomposed plant material

• They cover a large portion of Earth's surface

• They store a significant amount of carbon due to partially decomposed plant material

What percentage of Earth's land surface do peatlands cover?

• 50%

• 25%

• 3%

• 10%

What happens to the carbon in peatlands if the ecosystem is disturbed?

• It turns into water

• It is released into the atmosphere

• It is converted into oxygen

• It remains in the ground

What is the main goal of the research in the Congo peatlands?

• To develop new conservation strategies

• To estimate the carbon storage capacity of the peatlands

• To find new species of plants

• To study the water cycle in the region

What is the significance of the Congo peatlands?

• They are the largest tropical peatland complex in the world

• They are the smallest peatland area globally

• They are the most accessible peatlands

• They have the highest biodiversity

What is the research team doing with the peat samples?

• Analyzing their density and carbon concentration in the lab

• Using them for agricultural purposes

• Displaying them in a museum

• Selling them to industries

What is a major threat to peatlands worldwide?

• Urban development

• Oil palm plantations and rice projects

• Tourism

• Mining activities

Why is it important to protect peatlands?

• They are popular tourist destinations

• They play a crucial role in carbon storage and climate regulation

• They provide habitat for endangered species

• They are a source of fresh water

What is the research team hoping to achieve with their data?

• To increase tourism in the area

• To develop new industrial projects

• To inform better management decisions for peatland ecosystems

• To create new agricultural lands