Over-extraction

Definition

Over-extraction refers to the excessive removal of resources, particularly natural resources such as water and minerals, from their source. This practice can lead to significant environmental consequences, including depletion of ecosystems and disruptions in the natural carbon cycle, where the balance of carbon stored in various reservoirs is affected by the loss of vegetation and soil degradation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Over-extraction can lead to a decrease in biodiversity as habitats are destroyed or altered by resource removal.
2. In terms of the carbon cycle, over-extraction contributes to increased carbon emissions as soil erosion and deforestation reduce the capacity for carbon storage.
3. Groundwater over-extraction can result in sinking land, known as subsidence, which can damage infrastructure and disrupt local ecosystems.
4. The removal of vegetation due to over-extraction can diminish photosynthesis rates, further contributing to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
5. Policies aimed at regulating extraction practices are critical for ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems and maintaining the balance of the carbon cycle.

Review Questions

• How does over-extraction impact biodiversity and ecosystem stability?
  • Over-extraction directly affects biodiversity by removing essential resources that various species depend on for survival. When natural habitats are disrupted or destroyed through excessive resource extraction, the balance within ecosystems can be thrown off. This leads to a decline in species populations and even extinction, ultimately resulting in less resilient ecosystems that are more susceptible to further environmental changes.
• What role does over-extraction play in altering the natural carbon cycle?
  • Over-extraction plays a significant role in disrupting the natural carbon cycle by decreasing the amount of carbon stored in vegetation and soils. When forests are cut down or wetlands drained for resource extraction, this not only releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere but also reduces future carbon sequestration capabilities. The resulting increase in atmospheric CO2 contributes to climate change and reinforces a negative feedback loop that further impacts global ecosystems.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of over-extraction on water resources and associated ecosystems.
  • The long-term effects of over-extraction on water resources can be severe, leading to issues like aquifer depletion, reduced river flows, and impaired water quality. As groundwater levels drop due to excessive pumping, nearby ecosystems such as wetlands and riparian areas may suffer from reduced water availability, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. Additionally, over-extraction can create competition among human users and wildlife for limited water supplies, escalating conflicts and further stressing ecosystems already impacted by climate change.

Related terms

Ecosystem Degradation: The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources, loss of biodiversity, and the decline of ecosystem health.

Carbon Sequestration: The process by which carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere and stored in vegetation, soils, and geological formations to mitigate climate change.

Sustainable Resource Management: The responsible use and management of resources to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.