Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira De Souza

Papers

Total Citations

139

H-Index

About

Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira De Souza is a leading figure in Amazonian biogeochemistry and atmospheric science, whose research illuminates the profound coupling between the region’s biosphere and atmosphere. His most-cited work, “The effect of atmospheric aerosol particles and clouds on net ecosystem exchange in the Amazon” (2014, 139 citations), fundamentally advanced our understanding of how aerosols and cloud cover modulate net radiation and, consequently, carbon cycling in the rainforest. By demonstrating that changes in diffuse light from aerosol loading can significantly alter net ecosystem exchange, De Souza provided critical evidence that atmospheric particles are not passive pollutants but active drivers of Amazon carbon dynamics. This contribution has shaped subsequent studies on climate–vegetation feedbacks and the resilience of tropical forests under changing aerosol regimes. Beyond this landmark paper, his broader portfolio explores the intricate links between land-use change, fire emissions, and regional climate, making him a key voice in debates on Amazonian sustainability. De Souza’s work is essential reading for anyone seeking to grasp how atmospheric processes govern the world’s largest tropical forest.