 |
|
Wildfires set to increase 50% by 2050
July 29, 2009The area of forest burnt by wildfires in the United States is set to increase by over 50% by 2050, according to research by climate scientists.
The study predicts that the worst affected areas will be the forests in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, where the area of forest destroyed by wildfire is predicted to increase by 78% and 175% respectively.
The research is based on a conservative temperature increase of 1.6 degrees Celsius over the next 40 years.
Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, scientists also say that the increase in wildfires will lead to significant deterioration of the air quality in the western United States due to greater presence of smoke.
"Wildfires, such as those in California earlier this year, are a serious problem in the United States and this research shows that climate change is going to make things significantly worse," says Dr Dominick Spracklen, from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds who is the lead author of the research.
"Our research shows that wildfires are strongly influenced by temperature. Hotter temperatures lead to dryer forests resulting in larger and more serious fires," explains Spracklen.
"In the Rocky Mountains we are predicting that the area burnt by wildfires will almost triple by 2050."
Scientists used data documenting the area of forest burned on federal land since 1980 along with weather data from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, to construct a computer model that takes into account the factors that can best predict the area burned in each ecosystem in the western US.
Significantly, the research also predicts a 40% increase in the western United States in the concentration of tiny soot particles in the air, known to scientists as organic carbon aerosol. This will have important consequences on western US air quality and visibility.
"The US government has introduced legislation to try to improve air quality and visibility by 2064. Currently the main focus for environment agencies and campaigners is industry, but this research shows that, especially in the western US, wildfires will become an increasing source of air pollution," explains Dr Spracklen.
This work was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Dr Dominick Spracklen carried out the research whilst at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) in collaboration with Jennifer Logan and Loretta Mickley.
For further information
Dominick Spracklen is available for interview, Tel: +44 113 343 7488, or email: d.spracklen@see.leeds.ac.uk
Or contact Clare Ryan, University of Leeds press office, Tel: +44 113 343 8059, Email: c.s.ryan@leeds.ac.uk
Notes to editors
The paper 'Impacts of climate change from 2000 to 2050 on wildfire activity and carbonaceous aerosol concentrations in the western United States', published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, is available to journalists on request.
Dr Dominick Spracklen is a research fellow in the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.
The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK with more than 30,000 students from 130 countries and a turnover of £450m. The University is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise showed it to be the UK's eighth biggest research powerhouse. The University's vision is to secure a place among the world's top 50 by 2015. www.leeds.ac.uk
The School of Earth and Environment is established as one of the leading centres of international excellence across the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In the UK RAE 2008, we ranked second nationally in terms of research power. It focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to understanding our environment, studying the Earth from its core to its atmosphere and examining the social and economic dimensions of sustainability.
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/index.htm
University of Leeds
Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, scientists also say that the increase in wildfires will lead to significant deterioration of the air quality in the western United States due to greater presence of smoke.
"Wildfires, such as those in California earlier this year, are a serious problem in the United States and this research shows that climate change is going to make things significantly worse," says Dr Dominick Spracklen, from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds who is the lead author of the research.
"Our research shows that wildfires are strongly influenced by temperature. Hotter temperatures lead to dryer forests resulting in larger and more serious fires," explains Spracklen.
"In the Rocky Mountains we are predicting that the area burnt by wildfires will almost triple by 2050."
Scientists used data documenting the area of forest burned on federal land since 1980 along with weather data from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, to construct a computer model that takes into account the factors that can best predict the area burned in each ecosystem in the western US.
Significantly, the research also predicts a 40% increase in the western United States in the concentration of tiny soot particles in the air, known to scientists as organic carbon aerosol. This will have important consequences on western US air quality and visibility.
"The US government has introduced legislation to try to improve air quality and visibility by 2064. Currently the main focus for environment agencies and campaigners is industry, but this research shows that, especially in the western US, wildfires will become an increasing source of air pollution," explains Dr Spracklen.
This work was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Dr Dominick Spracklen carried out the research whilst at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) in collaboration with Jennifer Logan and Loretta Mickley.
For further information
Dominick Spracklen is available for interview, Tel: +44 113 343 7488, or email: d.spracklen@see.leeds.ac.uk
Or contact Clare Ryan, University of Leeds press office, Tel: +44 113 343 8059, Email: c.s.ryan@leeds.ac.uk
Notes to editors
The paper 'Impacts of climate change from 2000 to 2050 on wildfire activity and carbonaceous aerosol concentrations in the western United States', published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, is available to journalists on request.
Dr Dominick Spracklen is a research fellow in the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.
The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK with more than 30,000 students from 130 countries and a turnover of £450m. The University is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise showed it to be the UK's eighth biggest research powerhouse. The University's vision is to secure a place among the world's top 50 by 2015. www.leeds.ac.uk
The School of Earth and Environment is established as one of the leading centres of international excellence across the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In the UK RAE 2008, we ranked second nationally in terms of research power. It focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to understanding our environment, studying the Earth from its core to its atmosphere and examining the social and economic dimensions of sustainability.
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/index.htm
University of Leeds
Wildfires Current Events and Wildfires News RSSTrees facilitate wildfires as a way to protect their habitat
Fire is often thought of something that trees should be protected from, but a new study suggests that some trees may themselves contribute to the likelihood of wildfires in order to promote their own abundance at the expense of their competitors.
IOM report released on species-jumping diseases
Significant weaknesses undermine the global community's abilities to prevent, detect early, and respond efficiently to potentially deadly species-crossing microbes, such as the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus sweeping the globe, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council.
Forest ecologist sees climate consequences
Many people worry about the link between rising bark-beetle infestations and an increase in western wildfires. But Dr. Susan Prichard, a Research Scientist at the University of Washington, adds another concern: what happens after the fires go out?
Plastic surgeons should be part of disaster relief planning, response
When a terrorist bomb explodes, a tornado rips through a town, a hurricane devastates a region, or wildfires ravage homes and businesses, plastic surgeons are not typically atop the list of emergency responders.
UA scientists seek new emphases in Arctic climate change research
Much of circumpolar Arctic research focuses on the physical, direct changes resulting from climate warming such as sea ice retreat and temperature increases.
Large Trees Declining in Yosemite
Large trees have declined in Yosemite National Park during the 20th century, and warmer climate conditions may play a role.
Scientists expect wildfires to increase as climate warms in the coming decades
As the climate warms in the coming decades, atmospheric scientists at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and their colleagues expect that the frequency of wildfires will increase in many regions.
Tiny diamonds on Santa Rosa Island give evidence of cosmic impact
Nanosized diamonds found just a few meters below the surface of Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara provide strong evidence of a cosmic impact event in North America approximately 12,900 years ago.
Forest fire prevention efforts will lessen carbon sequestration, add to greenhouse warming
Widely sought efforts to reduce fuels that increase catastrophic fire in Pacific Northwest forests will be counterproductive to another important societal goal of sequestering carbon to help offset global warming.
In the warming West, climate most significant factor in fanning wildfires' flames
The recent increase in area burned by wildfires in the Western United States is a product not of higher temperatures or longer fire seasons alone, but a complex relationship between climate and fuels that varies among different ecosystems.
More Wildfires Current Events and Wildfires News Articles
 |
Wildfire: Season 3 Starring: Genevieve Cortese, Nicole Tubiola, Nana Visitor, Greg Serano, Micah Alberti Directed By: Bradford May, Ellie Kanner, Frank Perl, John Behring, Rachel Talalay Also With: Andy Reaser (Writer), Christina Lynch (Writer), Christopher Teague (Writer) Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 03/03/2009 Run time: 780 minutes Rating: Nr |
 |
Wildfire: Season 2 Starring: Genevieve Cortese Change comes to Kris Furillo (Genevieve Cortese) and everyone at the Raintree Ranch. But are they ready for it? A near win at The Sandpiper Race puts Kris and Wildfire in the limelight but how well will Kris adjust to fame and how will it affect those closest to her? The stakes are higher than ever as she decides whom to trust whom to let into her heart and whom to let go of forever.System Requirements:Run time: 540 minutes Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 031398218272 Manufacturer No: 21827 |
 |
Wildfire - Season One Starring: Genevieve Cortese, Nicole Tubiola, Nana Visitor, Greg Serano, Micah Alberti Directed By: John Behring, Maggie Greenwald, Nick Marck, Rachel Talalay, Steve Miner Also With: Christopher Teague (Writer), Jordan Hawley (Writer), Marjorie David (Writer) Strangers. Secrets. Seductions.Fresh out of juvenile hall Kris Furillo (Genevieve Cortese) gets her first chance at responsibility with a job on the struggling Ritter family ranch where she befriends a horse named Wildfire. She is soon swept up in a complicated world of ruthless competition dark secrets and love. Wildfire remains her one true friend and their ability to achieve the impossible together creates the hope and strength to face a challenging turn.System Requirements:Running Time: 576 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 031398186212 Manufacturer No: 18990 |
 |
Darn Good Westerns Vol 1: Hellgate, Fangs of the Wild, Train to Tombstone, Panhandle, Operation Haylift, Wildfire: The Story of a Horse Starring: Sterling Hayden, Rod Cameron, Joan Leslie, Cathy Downs, Ward Bond Directed By: Charles Marquis Warren;Lesley Selander;William Claxton;William Berke;Robert Tansey HELLGATE: This post-Civil War yarn was adapted from the story of Dr. Mudd, the physician who attended John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Lincoln. In 1867 Kansas, veterinarian Sterling Hayden treats an injured stranger who turns out to have been a guerrilla raider--and Hayden soon finds himself serving a term in one of the world's most terrifying prisons under sadistic commandant Ward Bond. FANGS OF THE WILD: A boy who has frequently cried "Wolf!" now cries "Murder!"--and this time he's telling the truth. But because of his fib-filled history, when he claims to have seen hunter Charles Chaplin Jr. shoot and kill a fellow hunter, no one will believe the lad. No one, that is...except Chaplin. Beautiful Big Bear scenery co-stars in this suspenseful drama. TRAIN TO TOMBSTONE: There are... |
 |
Wildfires by Seymour Simon (Author) Wildfires A raging wildfire can be a major disaster, costing lives and destroying homes. But fires in nature can help as well as harm, clearing forests of dead trees and allowing young plants to grow. Breathtaking photos highlight this surprising look at fire's part in maintaining the balance of nature. |
 |
Bob Steele Double Feature: Brand of the Outlaws (1936) / Wildfire (1945) Starring: Bob Steele Action star Bob Steele rides the range in two vintage classics. |
 |
Wildfire Starring: Michael Preston, Claire Smithies, Jordan Seider A WILDFIRE growing out of control threatens a sanctuary for exotic animals run by two sisters, CAROL and BALLAD. Ballad engages her boyfriend Kennedy and his team of firefighters and "smokejumpers" to create a break line ahead of the fire hoping to save the animals from the growing inferno. Soon they make a startling discover: the fire was started by the corporate thugs who want the land. The tension mounts as they rush to stop the ruthless developers, prove their guilt, and save the animals from "Wildfire". |
 |
Fundamentals of Wildfire 3.0 Directed By: KAD3 Also With: KAD3 (Producer), KAD3 (Writer) Table of Contents Module 1 Associativity Part Assembly Associativity Part Drawing Component Selection Feature Selection Hide-Unhide Component suppression Feature Suppression Module 2 Chamfers Holes Holes Polar Coordinates Standard Holes Hole on point Round Round All Shell Draft Draft add angle Module 3 Sketcher Tools Extrude Remove Material Revolve 1 Revolve 2 Sketch substiting Special Dimensioning Ribs Module 4 Blend Parallel Blend Rotational Blend General Blend - start point not coincident Sweep constant section Sweep Variable Section Sweep Merge Ends Sweep use graph Sweep X direction Module 5 Relations Module 6 Copy paste Copy mirror Module 7 Assembly constraints 1 Assembly constraints 2 This product is manufactured on demand using... |
 |
Watershed wildfire, 1958 Experience the American Journey through our country's visual heritage in this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. Documentary record of 36 hours of campaign firefighting by three cooperating agencies. Includes a hard-driving lesson on human carelessness with fire. Explains how U.S. Marines, California fire fighting personnel, and Indian forest fire fighters cooperated with the Forest Service in controlling the 1955 fire in the Los Padres National Forest in California, which destroyed its vegetation. Emphasizes the need for immediate reseeding to prevent floods. This historical recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. The content... |
 |
Investigative Reports - Wildfires : Fighting Fire With Fire As the Western U.S. becomes more settled, and new communities are forged from the wilderness, an age-old battle intensifies. Wildfires that used to burn through remote and desolate areas now threaten to claim lives and buildings, and more and more of these deadly fires are caused by human carelessness. Join the elite group of firefighters known as the "Hotshots" who risk their lives to control the annual fires that blaze across the West. Follow them through the rigorous training process and learn of the extraordinary measures they employ to fight the flames that erupt far beyond the reach of conventional firefighters. Amazing footage from some of the worst forest fires in history shows the Hotshots in action, as smokejumpers, tanker pilots and support crews risk their lives in the face of... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |