Wildfires KT Flashcards
What is the definition of a wildfire?
A natural process in many ecosystems. A rural hazard. Fires cause wide spread destruction and killing of plants and wildlife
Wildfires can be classified into three types. Name these
- Surface fires
- Crown fires
- Ground fires
What factors affect the nature of a wildfire?
- Wind strength
- Topography
- Type of vegetation
What factor affects the intensity of the wildfire?
Type of vegetation
What is meant by pyrophytic vegetation?
Plants adapted to tolerate fire- methods of survival are thick bark and high moisture content
What is a convection column?
A rising column of gases, smoke, ash, particulates, and other debris that is produced by a fire
Name a natural cause of wildfires
Lightning
Name 2 human causes of wildfires
Burning of debris, camp fires
How does topography affect wildfires?
It will typically move more quickly uphill than downhill or than on flat terrain
What are the three heat transfer processes?
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
What are the weather conditions required for wildfires to be a hazard?
30 degree temp
30% or less humidity
30km/hr wind speed
How does black carbon emitted during a wildfire change global weather patterns?
Black carbon mixes with clouds and falls on ice and snow-> reducing their brightness= less sunlight reflects back to space (more global warming)
What is wildfire mitigation?
Wildfire mitigation involves reducing the severity of an event by direct interventions as well as support following a disaster
