New Scientist: It always seemed odd. A decade ago, NASA satellite data suggested that the canopy of the Amazon rainforest grew faster during a drought. Apparently, this was just an optical illusion.
In 2003, remote sensors showed that the forest canopy reflects more near-infrared light during a drought. Because young leaves are greener - and reflect more infrared light - than old foliage, analysts assumed this was evidence that rainforests grew better during dry years.
A new study suggests otherwise. Douglas...