Amazon trees are growing larger according to new study
Trees in the Amazon rainforest are increasing in size, a phenomenon described as the forest 'fattening,' according to research published in Nature. Scientists analyzed decades of data showing that these trees are storing more carbon as they grow bigger. This finding suggests potential benefits for global climate efforts.
A study published in the journal Nature has revealed that trees across the Amazon rainforest are growing larger and denser, a process researchers have termed the 'fattening' of the forest. Led by scientists from the University of Oxford and collaborators from institutions in Brazil and the United States, the research draws on long-term monitoring data from forest plots spanning the Amazon basin.
The investigation, which spans over 30 years of observations, indicates that the average size of trees has increased significantly. Key measurements show that aboveground biomass in these forests has risen by about 0.5 tons per hectare per year since the 1980s. This growth is attributed to factors such as elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which may enhance photosynthesis and lead to faster wood production. 'We're seeing trees that are not just taller, but thicker and heavier,' said lead author Dr. Roel Brienen from Oxford's School of Geography and the Environment. 'This fattening effect could mean the Amazon is absorbing more carbon than previously thought.'
Data was collected from 321 permanent forest plots managed by the RAINFOR network, covering diverse regions from the wetter western Amazon to the drier east. The study found that while some areas show faster growth, the overall trend points to increased carbon sequestration, potentially offsetting a portion of human emissions. However, researchers caution that this benefit may not last indefinitely, as other threats like deforestation, droughts, and fires could reverse gains.
Background context highlights the Amazon's role as a critical carbon sink, holding about 150-200 billion tons of carbon. Previous studies had noted 'greening' effects from CO2 fertilization, but this is the first comprehensive evidence of structural changes in tree size. 'The Amazon's trees are adapting in ways that could help mitigate climate change, but we must protect them from escalating pressures,' Brienen added.
Implications extend to global climate models, which may need updating to account for this enhanced storage capacity. Balanced perspectives from the study emphasize that while positive, the findings underscore the urgency of conservation efforts to prevent tipping points, such as widespread dieback. No major contradictions were noted in the data, though the study calls for continued monitoring to track long-term trends.