Water Recycling by Amazonian Vegetation
Author Information
Author(s): Cowling S.A, Shin Y, Pinto E, Jones C.D
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
How do coupled and uncoupled vegetation-climate interactions affect water recycling in the Amazon?
Conclusion
The study found that vegetation feedbacks significantly influence water recycling and precipitation rates in the Amazon.
Supporting Evidence
- The proportion of water recycled back to the atmosphere is relatively conserved through time for both experiments.
- Precipitation is reduced by an extra 30% in the coupled relative to the uncoupled simulations.
- Lifting condensation level is 520 m higher in the coupled relative to uncoupled simulations.
Takeaway
This study shows that trees in the Amazon help recycle water back into the air, and if there are fewer trees, it can lead to less rain.
Methodology
The study compared two general circulation model experiments: one with dynamic vegetation and one with fixed vegetation.
Limitations
The study does not directly address factors related to canopy height and architecture.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.3734
Confidence Interval
771±28 m for observed LCL; 832±20 m for model-predicted LCL
Statistical Significance
p=0.3734
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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