Scientists Discover How the Amazon Shapes Earth's Atmosphere
World
The record-breaking drought in the Amazon affected not only the world's largest tropical rainforest but also the chemical composition of Earth's atmosphere, according to a new scientific study examining the consequences of the extreme 2023 dry season.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry found that during the drought, Amazonian soils reduced their ability to absorb isoprene, an organic compound released in large quantities by tropical vegetation. Scientists estimate that the soil's uptake of the gas declined by about 25%.
The change was linked to reduced activity of soil microorganisms responsible for breaking down isoprene. As soil moisture dropped, these microbes became less effective, allowing higher concentrations of the gas to accumulate in the atmosphere.
According to the researchers, increased atmospheric isoprene has cascading effects on the climate system. It reduces the atmosphere's oxidative capacity, allowing methane to remain airborne longer and intensifying the greenhouse effect.
The Amazon is one of the world's largest natural sources of isoprene, contributing a significant share of the more than 500 million tonnes produced annually by global vegetation.
The researchers say the findings improve understanding of how extreme climate events affect forest ecosystems and global atmospheric chemistry. With meteorologists forecasting another strong El Niño event, scientists warn that similar processes could become more frequent in the future.
The change was linked to reduced activity of soil microorganisms responsible for breaking down isoprene. As soil moisture dropped, these microbes became less effective, allowing higher concentrations of the gas to accumulate in the atmosphere.
According to the researchers, increased atmospheric isoprene has cascading effects on the climate system. It reduces the atmosphere's oxidative capacity, allowing methane to remain airborne longer and intensifying the greenhouse effect.
The Amazon is one of the world's largest natural sources of isoprene, contributing a significant share of the more than 500 million tonnes produced annually by global vegetation.
The researchers say the findings improve understanding of how extreme climate events affect forest ecosystems and global atmospheric chemistry. With meteorologists forecasting another strong El Niño event, scientists warn that similar processes could become more frequent in the future.
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