| Abstract |
The release of latent heat associated with the heavy precipitation over Amazonia is a major energy source for the atmosphere. The impact of natural variations in land surface characteristics along with the potential impact of human induced changes, most notably the continued deforestation of the Amazon Basin, are questions of major importance in predicting climate change.
The Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) is a multi-disciplinary, international research effort, designed to understand the climatological, ecological, biogeochemical and hydrological functioning of Amazonia, its interaction with the Earth system, and its response to land use change. The LBA is centered around two key questions:
<li>1.How does Amazonia currently function as a regional entity?
<li>2.How will land use change and climate affect the biological, chemical and physical functions of Amazonia, including its sustainability and its influence on the global climate system?
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters
DLO Winand Centre for Integrated Land, Soil and Water Research
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