Uploaded on 2016-05-01 by SofiaDaris

a) The Cantareira System is a group of dams that are responsible for the water supply of São Paulo and other neighboring cities. It is located not more than 90km distant from São Paulo. Unfortunately, in the previous years, São Paulo has been suffering a severe drought, and the Cantareira dams have practically dried out. However, the situation is being reversed very rapidly, and in the near future the Cantareira System will be operating in its full potential again. For these reasons, the Cantareira System is the best example of an ecosystem with provisioning services near my region. ![Cantareira System Full][1] https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwic2L6G3rnMAhXJGJAKHf1gALwQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Facaodemidia.com%2Fnivel-do-sistema-cantareira-registra-a-segunda-alta-consecutiva-em-fevereiro%2F&psig=AFQjCNG_Su8xEubiVc86V60t2uW_JfeXlQ&ust=1462221590655053 ![Cantareira System dried out][2] https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi3yNia3rnMAhWMh5AKHWZcCrsQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fexame.abril.com.br%2Fbrasil%2Fnoticias%2Fcantareira-tem-o-mes-mais-seco-desde-1930&psig=AFQjCNHwm5ye2WwtZ5tRh3qpEtaDk-ciJA&ust=1462221627307045 b) The Amazon Rainforest, in spite of being located far from São Paulo, has a strong influence in the city’s climate. The humidity provided by the dense vegetation is brought to the city by the Continental Tropical Mass. With the illegal deforestation and intense logging occurring in the Amazon, few trees remain to cause the effects necessary for climate equilibrium in São Paulo. That way, São Paulo is getting hotter and dryer every year. For these reasons, the Amazon Rainforest is the best example of an ecosystem with regulating services near my region. ![Amazon Rainforest][3] https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjB4bCn3rnMAhVBjZAKHb64AC0QjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.estudopratico.com.br%2Ffloresta-amazonica-caracteristicas-e-o-que-a-prejudica%2F&psig=AFQjCNFtEmm0ioVM0wnhQoBgrYJvwFd-BQ&ust=1462221660633079 c) The Serra da Bocaina National Park is an ecological reserve located between the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, approximately 300km from the city of São Paulo. It was created in order to shelter the human population of Angra dos Reis, a city where there is a nuclear power plant, in case an accident happens. Luckily, no accident has happened, so the park remains as an untouched area where endangered species are protected from human intervention. For these reasons, the Serra da Bocaina National Park is the best example of an ecosystem with habitat services near my region. ![One of the views of the Serra da Bocaina National Park][4] https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjF-syz3rnMAhUEgpAKHU1rC4MQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.suacidade.com%2F20120916%2Fconheca-o-parque-nacional-da-serra-da-bocaina&psig=AFQjCNFHLMjfA6vAsZQ72ikjk6BlOnNSmQ&ust=1462221681582342 d) The Ibirapuera Park is the most important urban park in the city of São Paulo. Located only a few kilometers from São Paulo’s center and my home, the park is host of many cultural activities, and presents an area of approximately 1,5km². With many different species of trees, a lot of green fields and lakes, the park is suitable for all kinds of physical activities for all types of people. In addition, there are several museums of supreme importance inside the park. For these reasons, the Ibirapuera Park is the best example of an ecosystem with cultural services near my region. ![Ibirapuera Park][5] https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjHieW_3rnMAhUJj5AKHdxFCpEQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parquedoibirapuera.com%2Fsobre-o-parque%2Fgaleria-de-fotos%2F&psig=AFQjCNFiiHRJcJ18d3MmU_6SZFqjFoCYhA&ust=1462221709378939 Note: I had to take use pictures form the Internet to complete this assignment. However, the link of where each of them can be found is right below them. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14621307214987336.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14621307398119744.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14621331067612512.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14621337319889377.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14621351145965155.jpg