Scientific Programs


Participation in the Large Biosfere Atmosphere Program of Amazon (LBA)

Sponsor: Brazilian Ministry of Science & Technology


Location: Brazil, South-West Tocantins – Bananal Island region – Canguçu Research Centre

Description of the project: The Large Biosphere Atmosphere Program of the Amazon (LBA) is based on international technical and scientific co-operation investigating the effect of ecological and biogeochemical processes in the Brazilian Amazon on the global climate. The emphasis of the research undertaken under the LBA Program – which involves more than 50 universities and research institutions in the USA, Europe and Brazil - is on carbon dynamics in regional ecosystems.

Ecologica’s researches began in March 2001 with the demarcation of 30 experimental plots (15 in dry forest and 15 in flooded forest areas). The precise location of these plots - each measuring 50m x 50m – is mapped with GPS systems. Species inventories are compiled for each of the plots and measurements of parameters such as circumference and diameter at breast height (CBH and DBH), trunk height and total height will be taken and the data recorded in a database at the Canguçu Research Centre. An eddy correlation tower was installed in November 2003 to measure carbon dynamics in the area.

Donations have been made by NASA and financial support has been obtained by Women’s Education For Family Health Project, CNP research support and from local universities).


Other Activities

  • Establishment of the Canguçu Research Centre located in the southwest of State of Tocantins, around the National Park of Araguaia in Bananal Island. Support and generation of opportunities for several scientific productions, dissertations and mastered and doctored theses. The work at Canguçu is conducted in partnership with national and international research institutions which include Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmosphere Science of the University of Sao Paulo (IAG/USP), the University of the State of Tocantins (UNITINS), Palmas Luterana of Brazil University. (CEULP/ULBRA), Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), University of New Hampshire (UEA) among others.
     
  • Establishment and operation of a meteorological station in Canguçu Research Centre which monitors nine environmental parameters including temperature, relative air humidity, velocity and direction of the wind and concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The data is archived in a data base used to support the researches about carbon cycles and carbon sequestration projects.
     
  • Study of the bird species in transitions areas (ecótones), of Bananal Island and in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) in Lajeado region, next to the capital of the State of Tocantins – Brazil.
     
  • Pilot Project in association with the Federal University of Tocantins, for the use of hybrid technology Solar/Hydrogen as an alternative to energy generation switching the energy generated by diesel oil, a common practice in distant areas in Amazon.
     
  • Support and orientation to the conclusion of the University project, research, trips for the student’s formation, and for national and international voluntaries.