Remote Spectral Sensing Reset Forest Canopy Chemistry Expectations (IMAGE) Carnegie Institution for Science Caption Tropical rainforests of the Andes and western Amazon basin are often viewed as being similar in their growth properties, but new airborne spectroscopic measurements reveal a different pattern. Colored portions of this map of Peru indicate differences in tropical forest canopy chemicals that control tree growth. Each color reveals a different chemical makeup among Andean and Amazonian trees that are tightly related to the underlying geology, elevation and climate. Orange and red colors indicate relatively higher nitrogen concentrations in tree canopies, while green colors indicate higher phosphorus, and blues indicate thicker and tougher leaves. All other colors indicate the continuous nature of these trade-offs. These differences have a big role to play in predicting forest growth under changing climate conditions. Image is provided courtesy of Greg Asner. Credit Greg Asner Usage Restrictions With permission License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.