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science1d ago
Hypertropical climate in the Amazon could trigger mass tree die-offs
- A Nature study says the Amazon could reach a hypertropical climate by 2100 if emissions stay high.
- The study examined 30 years of data from plots north of Manaus to track heat and moisture stress.
- Researchers warn of up to 150 hot-drought days per year by 2100 under current emissions.
- Hot droughts push trees to close leaf pores, reducing carbon uptake and growth.
- Prolonged heat can cause embolism-like failures in water transport, harming trees.
- Fast-growing, low wood-density species are more vulnerable to die-offs.
- The Amazon currently loses about 1% of trees annually but could rise to 1.55% by 2100.
- Hypertropics would feature extreme heat, longer dry seasons, and volatile climates.
- The findings could have implications for forests outside the Amazon, including Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Action on emissions will determine when hypertropical conditions arrive.
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