Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems

Details Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems

Feb 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010georl..3704801m&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 37, Issue 4, CiteID L04801

Physics

3

Biogeosciences: Ecosystems, Structure And Dynamics (4815), Global Change: Land/Atmosphere Interactions (1218, 1843, 3322), Atmospheric Processes: Mesoscale Meteorology, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Biosphere/Atmosphere Interactions (0426, 1610), Biogeosciences: Plant Ecology (1851)

Scientific paper

Fire plays a crucial role in many ecosystems, and a better understanding of different controls on fire activity is needed. Here we analyze spatial variation in fire danger during episodic wind events in coastal southern California, a densely populated Mediterranean-climate region. By reconstructing almost a decade of fire weather patterns through detailed simulations of Santa Ana winds, we produced the first high-resolution map of where these hot, dry winds are consistently most severe and which areas are relatively sheltered. We also analyzed over half a century of mapped fire history in chaparral ecosystems of the region, finding that our models successfully predict where the largest wildfires are most likely to occur. There is a surprising lack of information about extreme wind patterns worldwide, and more quantitative analyses of their spatial variation will be important for effective fire management and sustainable long-term urban development on fire-prone landscapes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spatial variation in extreme winds predicts large wildfire locations in chaparral ecosystems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1091644