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Scientists have compiled the first map detailing the height
of forests worldwide - an inventory they hope will provide
new insights into global carbon storage.
The map - compiled from data collected over seven years using
NASA
satellite laser technology that can measure vertical 'slices'
of different tree heights in forests - shows that the tallest
forests on Earth are in the Pacific Northwest of North America
and across parts of Southeast Asia. Shorter forests predominate
across northern Canada and Eurasia.
The tallest canopies are found in temperate conifer forests
- which include Douglas fir, redwoods and sequoias
- and can easily reach 131 feet (40 meters) in height - some
California redwoods are more than 300 feet tall.
In contrast, boreal forests - which include spruce, fir,
larch and pine - have canopies that are typically
less than 66 feet.
NASA scientists hope the map
will help them determine how much of the world's carbon is
stored in forests, which types of forest absorb more carbon
than others, where some 2 billion tons of 'missing'
carbon released by humans annually ends up and how well the
planet can continue to absorb rising CO2
emissions.
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