1st October 2000 – 30th September 2002
National Geographical Society
Recent research suggests that mature forests in Amazonia provide a net carbon sink, with uptake by photosynthesis exceeding losses through respiration. Important evidence for this comes from monitoring long-term forest plots. However, the phenomenon is poorly understood, particularly in the seasonal north-western Amazonia. Sample plot replication and longer monitoring periods are needed to quantify biomass dynamics and elucidate edaphic and climatic controls.
The project will improve the regional monitoring network both in space – installing new plots to cover environmental variation – and in time – extending the monitoring period for existing plots to 9-18 years. The new and existing plots will play a key monitoring role in the face of projected climatic change.