Amazon basin: a system in equilibrium

Journal Article · Fri Jul 13 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.225.4658.129· OSTI ID:5984024

Salati, E; Vose, P B

Despite very active deforestation in the last decade, the Amazon Basin is still primarily covered with trees and is a system in equilibrium. The Andes form a barrier at the western end of the basin and, coupled with the prevailing easterly winds, ensure an almost unique precipitation and water-recycling regime. On average 50% of the precipitation is recycled, and in some areas even more. The soils are poor. Most of the nitrogen and phosphorus is found in the soil, and the remaining nutrient elements are found in the standing biomass. There is some nutrient recycling and little loss from the intact ecosystem, and the small input of nutrients from precipitation maintains a small positive nutrient balance. Continued large-scale deforestation is likely to lead to increased erosion and water runoff with initial flooding in the lower Amazon, together with reduced evapotranspiration and ultimately reduced precipitation. Reduced precipitation in the Amazon could increase the tendency toward continentality and adversely affect climate and the present agriculture in south-central Brazil. 83 references, 1 figure, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Sao Paulo, Brazil
• OSTI ID: 5984024
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Vol. 225:4658
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DEFORESTATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
WATERSHEDS
MINERAL CYCLING
AMAZON RIVER
BRAZIL
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EROSION
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SOILS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
WEATHER
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECOSYSTEMS
LATIN AMERICA
RIVERS
SOUTH AMERICA
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
510100* - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- (-1989)