Describe how deforestation is causing the change in the amounts of different gasses in the atmosphere

Deforestation is the process of removing trees, usually for fuels or for timber. The removal of trees means that there is less photosynthesis taking place. Photosynthesis is the process of removing carbon dixodie to produce glucose (for energy) and oxygen (6CO2 + 6H2O = C6H12O6 + 6O2). When trees are removed, this process happens less meaning that there is likely a build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - linking to the increase in global warming. In addition to this, the timbers may be burnt (process of combustion), which uses oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. Other times the remainders of the trees are left to rot or decompose, a process that requires the use of microbes, which use the process of respiration to convert oxygen into carbon dioxide using energy. The majority of deforested areas in less developed countries is used for cattle farming, this therefore increases the methane concentration in the atmosphere. Overall, there will likely be an increase in carbon dioxide and methane concentrations in the atmosphere as a result of deforestation.