A canopy-scale model (CANOAK) was used to simulate lowland
Amazonia during the Last Glacial Maximum. Modeled values of Net Ecosystem
Exchange driven by glacial environmental conditions were roughly half the
magnitude of modern fluxes. LGM temperatures are
suggested to be closer to optimal for carbon uptake than modern
temperatures, explained through the canopy energy balance. Further
analysis of the canopy energy balance and resultant leaf temperature
regime provide viable mechanisms to explain enhanced carbon-water
relations at lowered temperatures and forest robustness over glaciations. Potential diversification due to intra-canopy thermal gradients driven by radiative transfer through the canopy were explored.