Fires In Nature Flashcards

1
Q

How can fires be beneficial to humans?

A

Controlled fires can be used to manage farms and also prevent wildfires

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2
Q

What are the different types of wildfires?

A

Surface fires, ground fires, crown fires

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3
Q

What are surface fires?

A

Most common. Burn along forest floor. Burn leaf little and fallen branches. 900°C. Cool quickly. Easy to control

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4
Q

What are ground fires?

A

Burn organic matter in the soil such as peat. Smoulder at low temps for a long time. Spread slower

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5
Q

What are crown fires?

A

Burn through top layer of foliage (canopy). Burn up trunks of trees. Temps exceed 1100°C. Most intense and most difficult to contain

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6
Q

What is a convection column?

A

A vertical, rising column of smoke, ashes and particulates caused by a fire

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7
Q

What causes wildfires to spread?

A

Climate - dry
Wind speed and direction
Humidity - low
Vegetation
Topography - travel faster uphill

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8
Q

What causes wildfires to start?

A

Lighting, volcanic eruption and sparks from rock falls. Human agency (arson)

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9
Q

What % of fires are caused by humans?

A

90%

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10
Q

What are the impacts of wildfires?

A

Disruption of ecosystems
Native plant species eradicated
Produce ash and CO2. Health issues
Risk to life, damaged property
Government costs
Weather pattern changes

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11
Q

What are benefits to fires to the environment?

A

Quickly remove dead material from forest floor. Encourages new plant growth

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12
Q

How are wildfires managed?

A

Vegetation management
Spraying with water or chemicals
Metal doors and fire resistant roofing

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