Carbon Dynamics in the Amazon: A Multi-Scale Approach for the Interactions between Local Processes and Global Forcings

• Grant number: 25/09460-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2026
• End date: March 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal Investigator: Demerval Soares Moreira
• Grantee: Demerval Soares Moreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Bauru
• Associated researchers: Angel Domínguez Chovert ; Antonio Ocimar Manzi ; Camilla Lima Cunha ; Jaqueline Natiele Pereira ; Karla Maria Longo de Freitas ; Lina Maria Mercado Montoya ; Luciana Vanni Gatti ; Marcos Longo ; Nilton Manuel Évora do Rosário ; Saulo Ribeiro de Freitas

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to deepen the understanding of the carbon cycle dynamics in the Amazon region by integrating high-resolution numerical modeling with observational data analysis. Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating the global carbon balance; however significant uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms that drive carbon fluxes between the biosphere and the atmosphere. This is particularly relevant in the context of land-use changes, biomass burning, and climate variability associated with large-scale phenomena. The project will utilize numerical simulations using the MONAN atmospheric model (Model for Ocean-laNd-Atmosphere predictioN), coupled with the JULES surface model (Joint UK Land Environment Simulator) to advance this understanding. The JULES model is internationally recognized for its ability to realistically represent vegetation processes, soil water and heat transport, and biogeochemical cycles. The integration of these models will enable a more realistic investigation of surface-atmosphere interactions, allowing for the evaluation of how local and global drivers influence the annual and interannual variability of the carbon cycle in the Amazon. The numerical experiments will be validated using observational data from micrometeorological towers, airborne campaigns, and satellites. Additionally, this project aims to promote the technical and scientific advancement of national numerical modeling and to strengthen Brazil's capacity in climate, ecosystem, and sustainability research. (AU)