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Hazards > Wildfires > Flashcards

Wildfires Flashcards

1
Q

What is a quasi-natural hazard?

A

a hazard which can be occur as a result of human factors as well as physical factors

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2
Q

What are crown fires?

A

fires that spread through the upper layers such as the canopy of trees

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3
Q

What are surface fires?

A

fires that spread across the litter/lower layer

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4
Q

What are wildfires?

A

large, uncontrolled fires that quickly spread through vegetation

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5
Q

How might the vegetation present make a wildfire more likely?

A

dry, fine vegetation will burn easier. closely packed vegetation will allow fires to spread more.

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5
Q

What climates allow wildfires to form?

A

climates where there is sufficient rain for vegetation to grow, but enough dry spells to dry out the fuel (Mediterranean, Savannah)

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6
Q

How does wind impact wildfires?

A

strong winds will result in fires spreading more quickly

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7
Q

what is the most common natural ignition source for wildfires?

A

lightning

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8
Q

What are 3 examples of human ignition sources?

A
  • pylons falling (links to EQs)
  • inappropriate disposal of cigarettes
  • campfires and disposable BBQs
  • slash/burn becoming out of control
    all of these can be made worse by increasing interaction with rural areas through tourism and urban sprawl
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9
Q

What are the 2 things needed for wildfires to form?

A
  • ignition source
  • fuel (vegetation)
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10
Q

What are the primary environmental impacts of wildfires?

A
  • water pollution
  • air pollution
  • toxic gases
  • habitats destroyed
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11
Q

What are 2 examples of fire-resistant vegetation?

A
  • Baobab tree (thick bark, water storage)
  • Banksia
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12
Q

What are the primary economic impacts of wildfires?

A
  • businesses destroyed
  • agricultural land destroyed
  • cost of fighting fires
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13
Q

What are the primary social impacts of wildfires?

A
  • people can be killed
  • homes destroyed
  • evacuations (missing persons)
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14
Q

What is a primary political impact of wildfires?

A
  • govt. buildings can be destroyed
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15
Q

What is a positive environmental impact of wildfires?

A
  • clear over-crowded vegetation
  • can stimulate seed germination
16
Q

What are the negative, secondary environmental impacts of wildfires?

A
  • CO2 released can contribute to the enhanced greenhouse efffect
  • impacts migration patterns of animals
17
Q

What are 2 secondary economic impacts of wildfires?

A
  • rebuilding and insurance is expensive
  • income is lost
  • fewer visits limits tourism sector
18
Q

What are 2 secondary social impacts of wildfires?

A
  • homelessness
  • food shortages caused by damaged agricultural land
  • health problems from smoke inhalation
19
Q

What are 2 secondary political impacts of wildfires?

A
  • borrowing money for aid
  • pressure about global warming; due to increased frequency
20
Q

How could wildfires be prevented?

A
  • large areas of vegetation cleared
  • education; cigarettes, litter, BBQs etc
21
Q

How can people prepare for wildfires?

A
  • education
  • planned evacuation routes
  • essentials stored away from home
  • fire breaks
  • have heat-resistant room for valuables
22
Q

Give an example of a programme trying to help people prepare for wildfires

A

Colorado State Fire Service, give advice on how to protect property

23
Q

What is the primary aim of mitigation?

A

to reduce the damage wildfires cause to property

24
Q

How might the impacts of a wildfire be different to those of other hazards?

A

typically fewer deaths and more environmental impacts, these are potentially more widespread

25
Q

What are 2 factors increasing the risk of wildfires in the LA basin?

A
  • santa ana winds caused by topography
  • lots of dry, shrub-like vegetation
26
Q

Give an example of a national wildfire education program…

A

Smokey bear, USA
since 1944

Hazards (15 decks)

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