wildfires Flashcards
human responses to wildfires- FATALISM
the viewpoint that hazards are uncontrollable natural events and theres nothing that can be done to stop them(people think its not worth the money or resources to extinguish them so they should be left to burn)
human responses to wildfires- PREDICTION
using scientific research and past events in order to give warnings so the impact of the hazard is reduced
-using infrared camera and satellites and 24 hr warning systems
human responses to wildfires- ADAPTATION
attempting to live with hazards by adjusting lifestyle choices so that vulnerability is lessened
-using fire retardant materials in construction, chimneys have spark arresters, theres strict rules regarding camp fires and bbq’s
responses-prevention and prepardeness
- people can be aware on preventing ignition of wildfire like BBQ’s being left in the forest
- people can have evacuation plans, emergency services and training
- warning systems can tell people when the perfect condition for wildfires is occurring
- thermal infrared satellite imaging shows where wildfires are occurring so people can stay away
responses- mitigation
- the fire must be extinguished
- locals can help by ensuring their homes dont contribute to wildfire spread(keep roofs and gutter clear of leaves)
- keep flammable objects like lawnmower away from the home
- to limit the effect of toxic gases homes can be built of materials that wont produce harmful substances
responses-adaptations
having fire breaks around a settlement
short and long term responses
SHORT= putting fire out and spraying houses to stop them catching a light
LONG= aim to reduce the impact of future fires-controlled burning done on purpose to remove flammable material
fire breaks also limit the spread
fire behaviour=
fires spread quickly on hills as heat rises
they also jump across rivers and into areas
causes of fires(natural and human)
NATURAL= lightning and volcanic eruptions HUMSN= most fires started by people- lit cigarettes, BBQ's. fires started on purpose using arson or sparks from machinery
fire trianlge=
heat+fuel+oxygen=fire
el nino=
-climatic condition occurring every 6-8 years
-trade winds become weaker
-water in australia become colder
-rainfall in australia reduces to cause dry conditions
=increase in wildifres and a reduction of storms for australia
indian ocean dipole=
-year to year changes of tropical sea temps in western and eastern indian ocean
-winds weaken so cools water in australia so theres less rain
a positive IOD=cooler than normal water east and warmer than normal water in tropical west
A POSITIVE IOD NORMALLY COINCIDES WITH THE EL NINO
conditions which lead to wildfires=
VEGETATION TYPE=thick close together vegetation allows wildfires to spread quickly. vegetation with flammable oils (eucalyptus)
FUEL CHARACTERISTICS= fine dry material catches fire quickly but thicker forms burn for longer
CLIMATE AND RECENT WEATHER= most common wildfires occur in continents like south america, australia and africa
-they occur in a climate that has enough rainfall for plants to grow but dry seasons cause them to dry as fuel
3 types of fires
- GROUND FIRE= ground burns, its a slow smouldering fire with no flame and little smoke
- SURFACE FIRE= where leaf litter and low lying vegetation burns
- CROWN FIRE= where fire moves rapidly through the canopy
ladder effect=
describes the process of fires from the forest floor spreading to the tree canopy
