Microclimatic characteristics of a primary tropical Amazonian rain forest, ACEER, Iquitos, Peru
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Madigosky, S. R., and I. Vatnick. 2000. Microclimatic characteristics of a primary tropical Amazonian rain forest, ACEER, Iquitos, Peru. Selbyana 21:165–172.
Abstract:
The micrometeorological profile of a primary rain forest in northeastern Peru was monitored during 1995-1998. Specifically, the study was conducted to obtain high-resolution meteorological data to establish the cyclical relationships that exist within the forest on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Temperature and relative humidity were measured throughout a canopy walkway system at the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER), Iquitos, Peru. Programmable data loggers were strategically employed along the walkway at 4, 18, 24, and 32 m above the forest floor. Rainfall was measured daily for four years (January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1998). Distinct seasonal variation in rainfall was encountered. Most rainfall occurred April-June, with the least occurring July-September. Typically, temperature was stratified vertically in the forest with higher readings recorded within the upper reaches of the canopy. On predictable occasions, stratification was lost for extended period because of frontal systems that moved through the forest. Humidity profiles were cyclic with lower reaches of the forest at nearly 100% relative humidity much of the year. A greater degree of daily/weekly variation in humidity was noted throughout the upper canopy.
Keywords: micrometeorological, Amazon, data logger, tropical forest, stratification