Amazon Canopy Comes to Life through Laser Data

NASA scientists conducted a study in the Brazilian rainforest to measure changes in the canopy and understand the impact of climate change on carbon storage. They compared data from 2013, 2014, and 2016, noting the effects of a severe El Nino drought. Airborne measurements revealed changes in forest structure, while ground surveys showed that 80% of carbon losses were due to the death of larger trees. Surprisingly, larger trees were not more affected by drought than smaller ones. The study also examined areas impacted by logging, highlighting significant changes. Researchers aim to continue analyzing the effects of climate change and human activity on rainforests and their carbon dynamics.

What was the purpose of NASA scientists flying above the Brazilian rainforest?

How did the severe El Nino drought in 2016 affect the trees in the rainforest?

What percentage of carbon losses was attributed to the death of larger trees?

What surprising finding did the researchers discover regarding the impact of drought on large versus small trees?

In what ways will researchers continue to analyze the effects of climate change and human activity on rainforests?