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Nature 457, 969-970 (19 February 2009) | doi:10.1038/457969a; Published online 18 February 2009
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Carbon cycle: Sink in the African jungle
Helene C. Muller-Landau1
Abstract
Apparently pristine African tropical forests are increasing in tree biomass, making them net absorbers of carbon dioxide. Is this a sign of atmospheric change, or of recovery from past trauma?
The lush vegetation of tropical forests is a large and globally significant store of carbon1. Because tropical forests contain more carbon per unit area than any alternative land cover, cutting them down releases carbon into the atmosphere.
- Helene C. Muller-Landau is at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, República de Panamá.
Email: mullerh@si.edu
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