Carbon - biomass combustion Flashcards
What is biomass combustion?
The burning of living or dead vegetation. This includes human-induced burning as well as naturally occuring fires.
Where does biomass combustion most commonly occur?
-The boreal forests of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and China.
-Savannah grasslands of Africa.
-Tropical forests of Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Thailand, Laos, Nigeria, Philippines, Burma and Peru.
-Temperate forests in the USA and Western Europe.
-Agricultural waste after harvests in the USA and Western Europe.
What is the forest life cycle?
Trees die after severe fire which sets the stage for new growth to begin.
What trees are most perceptible to wildfires and why?
Trees with high levels of oil are susceptible to wildfires due to the high flammability of oils.
Name 3 trees with high levels of oil and where they’re found.
Eucalyptus trees - Australia.
Olive trees - Mediterranean.
Palm trees - The Americas, Mediterranean.
How does the burning of oil trees increase flood risk?
When oily trees are burned, the oils create a film over the soil which restricts water penetration, creating a hydrophobic surface which increases risk of floods through runoff.
How can a forest have a net zero carbon change following a wildfire?
If all vegetation from the forest fully replaces itself after the wildfire.
How much carbon is consumed by fire?
Around 10-20%, But it is re-released into the atmosphere.
How much carbon does fire release each year?
Around 1billion tonnes.
Does fire kill or consume trees?
Kill, not consume.
What determines if a forest is a net source or a net sink?
The balance between simultaneous produciton against simultaneous decomposition.
How much area of land does fire burn each year?
3-4 million km^2
