Articles tagged with Fire
A recent paper by Tadeg Quillien outlines a mathematical model of causal judgment that reproduces people's intuitions better than previous models. The study highlights the role of probability and logical structure in shaping our causal intuition, with implications for problem-solving and decision-making.
Researchers analyzed soil samples from burned and unburned areas in California parks, finding that the oak woodland fungal community was less affected by wildfires than those in evergreen forests. This aligns with the fact that oak woodlands depend on regular fire to thrive.
Researchers at PNNL investigate the role of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions in estimating fire risk. Surprisingly, just enough humidity can boost lightning ignition, leading to wildfires. The study reveals a rising wildfire trend, with 'compound case' fires striking more frequently than others.
A team of researchers discovered ancient human landscape modifications in Amazonia, revealing a 2,000-year-old civilization that used fire to clear patches and alter the forest composition. The findings contradict previous theories on extensive savannah formations during the current Holocene period.
Climate change has led to an eight-fold increase in the annual area burned by high severity fires across western US forests from 1985-2017. This trend poses significant risks to forest ecosystems and human safety, as severe fires can lead to long-term forest loss.
A new study found that wildfire disturbance increases the importance of flowering-plant species in determining pollinator composition, while also enhancing the value of pollinators in determining plant composition. The findings suggest that controlling wildfires is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Researchers have identified small-seeded native plants that may have fed as many Indigenous people as maize, thanks to the presence of bison. By following bison trails and paths in tallgrass prairies, scientists were able to harvest seeds from continuous stands of these crops, including little barley, sumpweed, and maygrass.
A new study published in Science reveals that more than 4,400 species are at risk due to excessive or insufficient fire activity. The research highlights the impact of climate change, land-use changes, and invasive species on fire regimes, threatening biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
Indonesian wildfires are a major issue due to their impact on the environment and human health. The project aims to investigate the causes and possible solutions to these fires. Experts believe that the drivers behind the peatland fires are a combination of climatic processes, land use, and ignition by humans.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to more extreme wildfires and multi-year droughts in Nevada and California. Warmer temperatures will cause faster drying of soil moisture and vegetation, increasing fire danger and severity.
A CSU team, led by Professor Stephanie Kampf, is studying the effects of the Cameron Peak Fire on waterways and snowpack in Colorado. The research aims to collect critical data on how the fire impacts snow processes, flow paths, and sediment movement.
A north-south drought dipole influences ponderosa pine recovery post-fires, with juvenile conifers less likely to thrive in dry northern regions. The study's findings suggest taking climate variability into account can improve long-term predictions of forest resilience.
Researchers used data science and network theory to analyze 'A Song of Ice and Fire', finding that character interactions are similar to real-life relationships and deaths appear random but reflect common events. The study suggests good writers work within psychological limits of the reader, making complex narratives relatable.
Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.
Researchers studied slope failure after wildfires in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains, finding a shift from debris flows to shallow landslides over time. The study suggests that land managers prioritize post-wildfire mitigation and planning, with debris flows being the primary concern during the next year.
A new method using noncombustible carbon textile grid and cement mortar doubles load-bearing capacities of structurally deficient concrete structures, increasing their usable lifespan threefold. Construction costs are reduced by 40% compared to existing methods.
Researchers discovered a distinctive supergene in fire ant colonies determining young queen behavior, leading to new pest control methods. The study also found aggressive behavior towards queens without the supergene.
A team of researchers from Penn State and NYU has deconstructed the 'biological clock' that regulates birdsong, revealing delays within neuronal circuits play a critical role in timing. The study found a wide distribution of delays in the circuit, allowing for higher resolution and more precise control over complex behaviors.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that thinning and prescribed fire can significantly reduce tree mortality and increase tree growth. The study compared two thinning methods and found both were effective in reducing tree deaths and promoting healthy forests.
New research shows that climate change is altering the role of the North American monsoon in regulating wildfire season. Without the monsoon's winter rains, winter rainfall and snowpack are not enough to stop severe fires, leading to more destructive blazes. The US may learn from Mexico's land management strategies to mitigate wildfires.
A University of Adelaide-led research project will analyze clinical data from injured koalas to inform future bushfire response and treatment strategies.
A large retrospective study suggests that the amount of carbon stored in soils is the biggest predictor of how much carbon will combust during a fire. The study found that soil moisture was also significant in predicting carbon release, and that vegetation patterns were complex and interacted with each other to predict combustion amounts.
Researchers identified nerve cells in the brain whose activity indicates decision-making confidence. The frequency of electrical pulses in these neurons increased with increasing decision confidence.
Researchers observed black imported fire ants using sand to draw liquid food out of containers when faced with drowning risk. The ants' tool-making skill reduced drowning risk and provided a larger space for collecting sugar water.
The August Complex of fires has grown to over 1,000,000 acres burned, making it the largest fire in California's history. The complex is 58% contained and poses a significant threat to structures in several areas, including Hidden Valley and Wildwood.
A $779,000 grant from the USDA will support a four-year project to develop a comprehensive fire blight management strategy for American fruit growers. The research aims to improve application timing and efficacy of defense inducers and identify new genetic sources of fire blight resistance.
A new study published by the University of East Anglia found that fear of enforcement and public health concerns drive behavior, outperforming financial incentives in reducing harmful peat fires. The research suggests that a combination of interventions is key to achieving fire-free outcomes in high-risk areas.
Researchers at Colorado State University developed a decision support prototype to help fire managers tailor suppression responses to local conditions. The tool addresses complexities by organizing information on ecological, social, and policy factors.
Researchers found evidence of widespread forest fires during the Cretaceous period, burning up to 40% of global forests, even in wet regions. This discovery sheds light on how Earth's history might behave under future global climate change.
The Arctic wildfire season is changing, with widespread wildfires burning earlier and farther north. Zombie fires, where fires smolder in peat underground, are a new feature of recent Arctic fires. The consequences for the global climate could be significant, including rapid thawing of permafrost and release of greenhouse gases.
Climate change is causing more frequent and severe wildfires in the Cascade Range, reshaping forests. Historically, fires occurred every 50-200 years, but climate-driven changes have led to increased fire frequency, with some areas burning within 12 years of each other.
The Amazonian rainforest is racing toward a tipping point as unregulated fires and climate change accelerate deforestation and habitat destruction. If temperatures rise by another 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit, the ecosystem could transition to savanna within decades.
The review paper highlights the need for better alignment between industry and research to address battery fire safety challenges. Industry leaders and researchers agree that current standards are not representative of real-world scenarios, leading to inadequate prevention and suppression of fires.
Research by UBC Okanagan shows that salvage logging after wildfires damages vital habitat for wildlife species, leading to declines in forest predators. The study highlights the need to preserve regenerating habitat and promote a healthy mosaic of post-fire forest ecosystems.
Wildfires have ravaged western states, with over 3.1 million acres burned in California alone. Climate experts blame drought, heat, and strong winds for the disaster.
Aerosols from western fires detected by NASA's Terra instrument pose a significant threat to climate and human health. High concentrations of aerosols can reduce visibility, impact respiratory systems, and exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers reveals that humans caused 97% of wildfires in the wildland-urban interface, a fivefold increase from previous estimates. The study also found that human-started wildfires are expensive and account for half of firefighting costs.
The NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite captured images of smoke obscuring the US landscape, indicating a significant area of deep red range suggesting hazardous aerosol concentrations. Aerosols from fires can affect climate, visibility, and human health, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The NOAA-NASA satellite has revealed detailed images of the Elkhorn Fire in California, highlighting burned areas and fire-affected regions. The satellite's reflective solar bands provide valuable information for firefighters and scientists to track the spread of the fire.
Researchers found that Yosemite's Spotted Owl numbers and nesting rates remained stable after the Rim Fire, which burned one-third of their habitat in 2013. The owls' ability to thrive despite the fire can be attributed to the park's unique history and management strategy.
Researchers at KIST developed a next-generation zinc ion battery that uses water-based electrolytes, eliminating the risk of explosion or fire. The new battery maintains nearly 100% capacity over 1,000 cycles and can be manufactured in flexible fiber form for wearable devices.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured two images of California's wildfires, showing the direction of smoke travel and aerosol layer thickness. The smoke was traveling in two directions, with some heading east to Salt Lake City and others west into the Pacific Ocean.
The LNU Lightning Complex fire has burned approximately 583.11 square miles, while the SCU Lightning Complex fire has burned around 666.47 square miles, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. These two complexes are among California's second and third largest fires in history.
A massive wildfire complex has engulfed California, with over 650 fires burning in the state. NASA's Terra satellite captured the smoke-engulfed state on August 24, 2020, revealing a pervasive smoky pall that has affected areas from California to Minnesota and Nebraska.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured images of California's massive wildfires, which merged to form two complexes: LNU Lightning Complex and SCU Lightning Complex. The fires were started by lightning strikes and are fueled by hot air that creates pyrocumulus clouds.
A new Oregon State University study suggests that firefighters are more likely to be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals while on duty compared to off duty. The researchers found 18 PAHs that have not been previously reported as firefighting exposures, and exposure levels increased with the number of fires responded to.
Aerodynamic experiments reveal that wind reduces the strength of corona discharges around airplane wings, unlike grounded structures where winds strengthen the glow. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between air, electricity, and wing shapes during thunderstorms.
The Aqua satellite image shows a 10.32-mile-long and 8.16-mile-wide burn scar, indicating the fire is approximately 32,905 acres in size. NASA's EOSDIS Worldview application provides real-time imagery of the blaze.
A study developed by Colorado State University experts demonstrates the potential risks and various scenarios COVID-19 could pose for fire management. The model highlights the effectiveness of risk-mitigation strategies such as screening and social distancing measures in reducing infections.
The Apple Fire has grown to 26,850 acres with 15% containment, spreading into sparse wilderness areas due to low moisture content and high temperatures. NASA's Aqua satellite provided two images of the fire, including a true color image and one showing corrected reflectance bands for burn scar detection.
The Apple Fire in Banning Canyon, California, has consumed 20,516 acres and is burning in an area with not had fire activity in recent years. NASA satellites provide critical information on the fire's spread, detecting actively burning fires and tracking smoke transport.
Research shows that climate change will shift the timing of prescribed burning windows along the east coast of Australia, with some months experiencing more frequent fires. However, the overall number of prescribed burning days is expected to remain similar or even increase in some cases.
Climate shift, forest loss and fires have led to the expansion of Amazon fires beyond flammable savannas to moist tropical forests. The fire season was initialized earlier than two decades ago due to extreme climate events making the forest more vulnerable.
A recent study reveals that Hurricane Lane's extreme weather conditions, combining heavy rainfall and fire hazards, exacerbated the storm's impact on the Hawaiian Islands. The research highlights the importance of considering both environmental and socioeconomic factors in assessing population vulnerability to natural hazards.
A Penn State researcher challenges the prevailing view that indigenous peoples' fires had a minor ecological impact. Instead, Abrams argues that indigenous peoples played a significant role in managing forests through frequent, low-intensity fires. This management approach allowed for extensive agriculture and supported wildlife habitats.
This study reveals that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-modulated vegetation fires in Southeast Asia dominate the springtime trans-Pacific transport of ozone across the entire North Pacific Ocean. The enhanced ozone plumes stretch over 15,000 km from the South China Sea to Southwestern North America and the Gulf of Mexico.
A new study estimates that nearly a ton of lead dust settled within a kilometer of the Notre Dame cathedral after the 2019 fire. The study found significantly higher lead levels in areas downwind of the fire, exceeding France's limit of 300 milligrams per kilogram of soil.
Researchers developed a machine learning approach to predict seasonal fire risk in Africa, using data on ocean temperatures and land surface changes. Additionally, scientists found that charge loss in lithium-ion batteries is related to the inherent structural instability of the cathode's crystalline structure. A new microscope tool pr...
Fires have spread across Angola and DRC in June 2020, with 61,661 alerts in Angola and 102,738 in DRC, according to Global Forest Watch. This 'slash and burn' agriculture practice has been used for over 12,000 years, clearing fields and returning nutrients to the soil.
Researchers found that areas with high fire ant populations had lower rates of the meat allergy, which is caused by the lone star tick. The study suggests that fire ants may be competing with ticks for a resource, limiting the spread of the allergy. However, this also means that fire ant bites can cause severe allergic reactions.