Thermal runaway occurs when a temperature increase causes a further increase sometimes leading to catastrophic destruction. We are seeing a foretaste of this in Western Australia right now as we post. Research appearing in Science Advances on January 10, 2020 asks is Southern Amazonia the next candidate?
Where is Southern Amazonia and What Is the Issue?
Southern Amazonia includes the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Rondônia, and adjacent areas to north, south, east and west. This area ranges from −6 to −20 S of latitude and −47 to −69 W of longitude. Vast rainforests cover the land protecting a kaleidoscope of life. However, until climate change that was where our interest ended.
We are now more conscious of the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis. But that they release this carbon when they burn. This simple fact is of immeasurable importance. That’s because if the forests of Southern Amazonia burned out in a massive thermal runaway, we would lose a major opportunity to counter climate change.
Earth Could Receive a Double Knockout Blow
Our biggest climate fear is Earth’s climate systems could run out of control and we would be unable to counter this. If thermal runaway destroyed the Southern Amazonia rainforest, then it could no longer absorb carbon.
And moreover, it would release its historically stored, sequestered carbon. Researchers at University of California-Irvine and their associates wondered is Southern Amazonia really at risk of thermal runaway that way. They found human-induced warming is drying the forest and making it easier to catch fire.
Paulo Brando, lead author of the study told CNN “We should not be surprised if we get a major firestorm pretty soon”. However, we have the tools to reduce that likelihood by reducing deforestation, if we use them he said.
Related
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Thermal Runaway is An All-Embracing Risk
Preview Image: Rio Doce State Park
