Smoke-haze from the 1997 Indonesian forest fires: effects on pollution levels, local climate, atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, and tree photosynthesis

Abstract

Atmospheric composition, local climate and sapling gas exchange were monitored to assess the short-term effects of smoke-haze from the 1997 Indonesian forest fires. Atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter, SO 2, CO, CH 4 and CO 2, and relative humidity were elevated, and photosynthetically active radiation and ambient temperature were reduced by the smoke-haze. Despite elevated CO 2 levels, photosynthesis in three tree species was reduced by the smoke-haze, both indirectly through reduced PAR levels, and directly through elevated aerosol and atmospheric pollutant levels.