Microtopographic controls on lowland Amazonian canopy diversity from imaging spectroscopy
Summary
Microtopography significantly shapes Amazonian forest composition, particularly influencing species turnover (β-diversity) in floodplains. While alpha-diversity showed minor changes, terrain variations are key drivers of biodiversity patterns in this region.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Remote Sensing
- Biodiversity Science
Background:
- Microtopographic variation is common in lowland Amazonia and may influence forest community composition.
- Previous studies have not quantified the impact of microtopography on forest canopy diversity in this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map forest canopy diversity in Amazonia at high resolution.
- To investigate the influence of microtopography on alpha-diversity and beta-diversity.
- To analyze spatial patterns of diversity in relation to landscape morphology.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of spectroscopic images using the Carnegie Airborne Observatory.
- Development of a novel method based on spectral species to map alpha- and beta-diversity.
- Analysis of diversity patterns across floodplain and terrace surfaces, and upriver/downriver locations.
Main Results:
- Floodplains exhibited slightly lower average alpha-diversity but greater variance compared to terraces.
- Beta-diversity, measured by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, was strongly correlated with microtopography, with floodplains showing higher internal compositional dissimilarity.
- Upriver landscapes with higher terraces displayed more distinct community turnover than downstream areas.
Conclusions:
- Microtopography is a major driver of beta-diversity in lowland Amazonian forests.
- Terrain has a weaker association with variations in alpha-diversity.
- Imaging spectroscopy is a valuable tool for biodiversity research and conservation in Amazonia.
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