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 primary focus of NASA's study in the Brazilian rainforest?

• To track animal movements

• To count the number of tree species

• To understand carbon storage changes due to climate change

• To measure the height of trees

How did the El Nino drought affect the forest structure?

• It had no impact on the forest

• It led to the fall of limbs and whole trees

• It caused more trees to grow

• It increased the number of animal species

What surprising finding did the researchers discover about large trees during the drought?

• Large trees were equally affected as smaller trees

• Large trees were more affected than smaller trees

• Large trees were not affected at all

• Large trees were less affected than smaller trees

What additional area did the team study to observe dramatic changes?

• Areas impacted by logging

• Areas with dense undergrowth

• Areas with high animal activity

• Areas affected by wildfires

What is the ongoing focus of the researchers' analysis?

• To increase the number of tree species

• To reduce the height of trees

• To understand the impact of climate change and human activity on rainforests

• To eliminate all logging activities