Fires In Nature Flashcards
How can fires be beneficial to humans?
Controlled fires can be used to manage farms and also prevent wildfires
What are the different types of wildfires?
Surface fires, ground fires, crown fires
What are surface fires?
Most common. Burn along forest floor. Burn leaf little and fallen branches. 900°C. Cool quickly. Easy to control
What are ground fires?
Burn organic matter in the soil such as peat. Smoulder at low temps for a long time. Spread slower
What are crown fires?
Burn through top layer of foliage (canopy). Burn up trunks of trees. Temps exceed 1100°C. Most intense and most difficult to contain
What is a convection column?
A vertical, rising column of smoke, ashes and particulates caused by a fire
What causes wildfires to spread?
Climate - dry
Wind speed and direction
Humidity - low
Vegetation
Topography - travel faster uphill
What causes wildfires to start?
Lighting, volcanic eruption and sparks from rock falls. Human agency (arson)
What % of fires are caused by humans?
90%
What are the impacts of wildfires?
Disruption of ecosystems
Native plant species eradicated
Produce ash and CO2. Health issues
Risk to life, damaged property
Government costs
Weather pattern changes
What are benefits to fires to the environment?
Quickly remove dead material from forest floor. Encourages new plant growth
How are wildfires managed?
Vegetation management
Spraying with water or chemicals
Metal doors and fire resistant roofing
