Regions of the Amazon rainforest are receiving less rainfall than they did decades ago. This phenomenon degrades their color to a lighter shade of green, which in turn, alters the amount of carbon dioxide trees absorb for photosynthesis.

Researchers from the United States and Brazil used new satellite technology to more accurately measure the amount of rainfall in the Amazon River basin. The technology allows for noting clearer differences in rainfall over a number of years.

Like Us on Facebook

The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in the carbon life cycle of the earth. Scientists say the rainforest is responsible for single-handedly absorbing one-fourth of the planet's carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thus, any drop in the carbon absorption of any area of the Amazon is a cause for concern.

Researchers have guessed for some time that the rainforest is absorbing less carbon dioxide than before, simply because the size of the rainforest has shrunk because of the logging in numerous regions.

It now appears the Amazon is receiving less rain than in the past, which is making it less green. This equates to less carbon dioxide absorbed by the trees from the air around them.

The team discovered the forest began receiving less rains starting around 2000. Some parts of the southern edge of the Amazon, which is equivalent to the size of California, has even seen a drop in water by 25 percent.

Scientists calculated this area contributed to a 50 percent loss of carbon absorption in the rainforest overall.

TagsAmazon rainforest, Amazon, rain, Rainfall, carbon dioxide, Greenhouse Gas, greenhouse effect