Tropical Rainforests

Extreme precipitation should increase with warmer temperatures.  Data from tropical regions show that this correlation is obscured by the cooling effect of clouds. When cloud effects are corrected, the increase in extreme precipitation with rising temperatures becomes apparent. more

Tropical forests are continuously being fragmented and damaged by human influences. Using remote sensing data and cutting-edge data analysis methods, researchers can now show for the first time that the impact of this damage is greater than previously estimated. more

Researchers are using Biosphere 2 to study how H2O, CO2 and VOCs flow through drought-stressed plants and soils in the largest labeling experiment to date. The study results can help make forests more resilient and climate models more accurate. more

Rainforests are being lost through deforestation and land use. This reduces their resilience to climate change and makes them more vulnerable to droughts and wildfires. A new early warning system responds to the different conditions of rainforests.  more