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designed by uwe kuhn last. mod. 17.12.1997 |
SUMMARY of the Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA)
The Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) is an international research initiative lead by Brazil. LBA is designed to create the new knowledge needed to understand the climatological, ecological, biogeochemical, and hydrological functioning of Amazonia, the impact of land use change on these functions, and the interactions between Amazonia and the Earth system. LBA is centred around two key questions that will be addressed through multi-disciplinary research, integrating studies in the physical, chemical, biological, and human sciences:
- How does Amazonia currently function as a regional entity?
- How will changes in land use and climate affect the biological, chemical and physical functions of Amazonia, including the sustainability of development in the region and the influence of Amazonia on global climate?
In LBA emphasis is given to observations and analysis which will enlarge the knowledge base for Amazonia in six general areas: Physical Climate, Carbon Storage and Exchange, Biogeochemistry, Atmospheric Chemistry, Hydrology, and Land Use and Land Cover. The program is designed to address major issues raised by the Climate Convention. It will help provide the basis for sustainable land use in Amazonia, using data and analysis to define the present state of the system and its response to observed perturbations, complemented by modelling to provide insight into possible changes in the future.(click the box of interest for more detail)
LBA will combine newly developed analytical tools and innovative, multidisciplinary, experimental designs in a powerful synthesis which will create new knowledge to address long-standing issues and controversies. LBA will provide new understanding of environmental controls on flows of energy, water, carbon, nutrients, and trace gases between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere of Amazonia to help provide the scientific basis of policies for sustainable use of Amazonian natural resources. The enhancement of research capacities and networks within and between the Amazonian countries associated with LBA will help advance education and applied research into sustainable development, and help in the process of formulating policies for the sustainable development of the region.