DISTRIBUTION OF PRIMARY FOREST BIOMASS IN THE AMAZON: AN INTERCOMPARISON BETWEEN FIVE REMOTE SENSING PRODUCTS

This study analyzed biomass distribution in the Brazilian Amazon using five distinct remote sensing datasets, revealing both similarities and significant discrepancies in biomass estimates. While the Baccini dataset showed the highest average biomass (300 Mg/ha), the GEDI L4B product indicated the lowest average (229 Mg/ha). The GEDI dataset captured the largest range of biomass values (5 to 673 Mg/ha). The analysis across 5 major phytophysiognomies indicated that dense ombrophilous forests have the highest biomass stocks, underscoring their crucial role in carbon fixation. Despite general agreement among biomass products, notable variations highlight the influence of measurement methodologies and reference years. These findings emphasize the importance of accurate biomass assessment for informing conservation strategies such as deforestation and degradation avoidance policies and programs in the Amazon forest, particularly due to the increasing pressures from land use and climate change.