Scientists Build Tower Higher Than Eiffel Tower in the Middle of the Amazon

03/02/2015 - 09h07

The tallest structure built in South America is not a skyscraper and is not a communication antenna.

At 325 meters - one more than the Eiffel Tower - the Amazon forest tower from the ATTO project (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory) was finished in January in São Sebastião do Uatumã (AM).

It will be used to study the interaction between the forest and the climate.

The tower is basically a spike held up by cables, installed in an area 156 km north of Manaus, with no urban center nearby. From there, heading north toward the Atlantic, there is only forest.

Watch the video

The tower will have instruments at different heights to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and other gases, in addition to studying the flux of steam from water and aerosols (solid particles and liquids in suspension) important in the formation of clouds.

With instruments to measure wind speed and direction, the scientists also seek to understand the role of the forest in transporting large air masses in South America.

Folha's team climbed the 108 steps leading to the top of the tower. The elevator wasn't available.

At the top, the view of the forest extends to the horizon in all directions, and the Uatumã River is the only thing that can be seen beyond the green carpet that separates the earth from the sky.

At 325 meters, the larger trees, which stretch to 45 meters tall, look like broccoli.

The tower was opened in February without its instruments. Folha witnessed the installation of its single electric fixture until now: a safety lamp at the top to warn passing aircrafts.

Throughout this year, the scientific equipment will be installed.

Translated by JILL LANGLOIS

Read the article in the original language

	Editoria de Arte/Folhapress