How El Niño Reshaped Emissions in the Amazon

Field measurements across the 2023-2024 El Niño reveal persistent drought-linked changes in Amazon volatile emissions

June 10, 2026
3 min

The Analytical Scientist

Overview

A canopy study during the 2023-2024 El Niño revealed a significant increase in sesquiterpene levels by 122% due to extreme drought conditions. The findings indicate that drought-induced metabolic changes in the Amazon rainforest can persist beyond the peak drought phase, affecting atmospheric chemistry.

Background

Understanding the impact of climate events like El Niño on rainforest emissions is crucial as these ecosystems play a significant role in global atmospheric chemistry. The changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as sesquiterpenes can influence ozone chemistry and secondary aerosol formation, which are important for air quality and climate models.

Data Highlights

Compound	Change (%)
Sesquiterpenes	+122
Beta-selinene	Increased during peak drought
Beta-eudesmol, Alpha-eudesmol, Gamma-eudesmol	Detected in wet season post-drought

Key Findings

Extreme drought during the 2023-2024 El Niño led to a 122% increase in sesquiterpene levels.
Beta-selinene rose significantly during the peak drought phase.
Sesquiterpene alcohols were detected in the wet season following peak drought, indicating persistent metabolic changes.
Correlation analysis linked several compounds through a shared metabolic pathway related to drought stress.
Climate models predict increased frequency and intensity of El Niño events, potentially making these emissions a permanent feature of the region.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of rainforest emissions as they may have implications for air quality and respiratory health. Understanding these changes can inform climate models and public health strategies related to air pollution.

Conclusion

The study underscores the significant impact of extreme weather events on rainforest chemistry and the potential long-term effects on atmospheric conditions.