Increasing concentrations of CO and O3 rising deforestation rates and increasing troposheric carbon monoxide and ozone in Amazonia.

Increasing carbon monoxide and ozone concentrations have been observed in the lower troposphere of the Brazilian Amazon region in recent years (1989-1995). Carbon monoxide and ozone have been measured in the region continuously; from observations at a single site and many sporadic field missions, there is a clear indication that the chemical activity in the troposphere is growing, with increasing concentrations especially during the dry season. On the other hand, the most recent deforestation assessment by the Brazilian Government, performed by the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) using Landsat data, shows yearly rates rising from the 11,130 km(2) year(-1) minimum of the 1990/91 survey, to 13,786 km(2) year(-1) for the 1991/92 period, and 14,896 km(2) year(-1) for the period 1992/94. It is argued that the increase in deforestation/biomass burning activities in "Amazonia" have produced larger carbon monoxide and ozone concentrations in the lower atmosphere.