ATTO: An Adventure in the Amazon

A unique project by Brazilian and German scientists entitled ATTO (Atmospheric Tall Tower Observatory) was completed in the Amazonia, one of the most important areas of the climate system on the planet. This 325 m high tower, which was built right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, can monitor atmospheric phenomena over an area of several thousand square kilometres, thus covering the largest, relatively homogenous forest area in the world. The intent behind this project was that ATTO would measure trace elements of atmospheric gases and provide information about their transformation between the biosphere and the atmosphere. Due to this close connection between wild nature and advanced technology, we can not only better understand the relationship between the rainforest and the atmosphere but also answer crucial questions concerning air pollution, its spread, production rate and regulation. (Academia Film Olomouc)