Articles tagged with Fire
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.
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.
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.
The Bighorn Fire, which started in the Catalina Mountains on June 5th, has grown to 65,536 acres and is 33 percent contained. The Suomi NPP satellite captured a massive smoke trail extending 63 miles southeast and 41 miles northeast, providing critical information for fire management and ecosystem monitoring.
Research by the University of Notre Dame found high concentrations of fluorine on firefighter PPE, including moisture barrier and outer shell. PFAS can contaminate thermal layer and skin, posing occupational health risk to firefighters.
A recent study reveals that ancient farmers' use of charcoal to fertilize the soil created a unique ecosystem in the Amazon, boosting biodiversity and supporting plant diversity. The 'dark earth' technique has left a lasting legacy in the region's mature forests.
Research on crop residue management found that no-till and prescribed fire can affect nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. While prescribed fire showed some short-term benefits, its long-term influence is still unknown.
The giant sequoia's bark has a three-dimensional network of fibers and air-filled cavities that distribute energy and insulate against heat. This unique structure helps protect the tree from wild fires and rock falls, with the bark returning to its original state after damage.
Researchers have developed self-powered 'paper chips' that sense early forest fires and relay a signal. The thermoelectric paper sensors are made from eco-friendly materials and can be wirelessly transmitted to responders.
A new study finds that wildfires change the types of songs sung by birds living in nearby forests, leading to increased local song diversity. Researchers recorded over 1,500 male Hermit Warblers and found that song dialects tend to be isolated from each other within different forest types.
Researchers are assessing the quality of a new satellite fire product using aircraft campaign data to support NOAA's next-generation wildfire forecasting system. The goal is to improve model-ready fire emission data for the CAM-CMAQ wildfire forecasting system.
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that fire service instructors experience higher levels of inflammation, which may lead to chronic health problems. The researchers suggest limiting their exposure to nine times per month to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Astronomers have captured an image of a super-rare type of galaxy with a 'ring of fire' structure, existing 11 billion years ago. This discovery is expected to shake up theories about the earliest formation of galactic structures and how they evolve.
A Duke University study reveals that low-severity fires shield peatland soils from decay, preserving carbon and slowing down its release into the atmosphere. This 'crème brulee effect' enhances long-term carbon retention, with implications for managing peatlands and addressing climate change.
Researchers develop a deep-learning model to estimate fine detail of fuel moisture levels across 12 western states, improving fire studies. The new dataset could help reveal areas at greatest risk and chart candidate locations for prescribed burns.
A recent study assesses fire aerosol impacts on global ecosystem productivity, finding cooling and drying effects on land surfaces. Fire aerosols decreased gross primary productivity in most vegetated areas, with some exceptions like the Amazon region.
A new study by ANU researchers shows that Victorian bushfires have burned over 1.5 million hectares since 1995, with more than 600,000 hectares burning twice and over 112,000 hectares burning three times. This has led to a significant impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and industry.
Trained dogs can detect fire accelerants like gasoline in tiny quantities, making them more sensitive than conventional lab tests. The study provides a target for forensic labs when processing evidence flagged by detection dogs.
Researchers will gather new data on pyrogenic carbon and investigate its behavior in tropical savannahs, including the impact of soil depth and fire frequency. The study aims to update models and provide better forecasts of carbon cycle dynamics, informing land management and climate change policies.
Researchers at RMIT University designed a solar chimney that optimises energy saving and fire safety, increasing evacuation time from two minutes to over 14 minutes. The design maximises ventilation for cooling and sucks smoke out of the building in case of fire.
A recent study reveals that passion is significantly more important for men's success than in women, who exhibit stronger correlations between factors. Women's achievement is tied to the intertwined factors of passion, grit and positive mindset.
The 2018 Saddleworth Moor Fire in Northern England had a significant impact on air quality, with poor conditions affecting over 4.5 million people. The fires caused substantial increases in PM2.5 pollution, resulting in up to 165% more deaths brought forward due to pollution.
A University of Washington study synthesizes climate change impacts on Northwest wildfires, predicting larger and more frequent fires in the region. The greatest increased risk is found for low-elevation ponderosa pine forests, with other ecosystems experiencing more frequent but less severe fires.
Open biomass burning has a significant impact on regional air quality, especially in Northeast China. The study found that the number of fire points concentrated in two key periods: March-April and October-November, with most fires occurring in cropland.
A new study by Stanford researchers finds that long-term warming and decreased autumn precipitation are increasing the risk of extreme fire weather conditions in California. The risk has more than doubled over the past four decades, with human-caused global warming making these conditions more likely.
Restoring drained peatland involves re-wetting, which brings water table closer to surface, reducing fire risk. Local community involvement is key to successful restoration, with alternative income sources needed for farmers.
A post-fire survey at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve found that roughly a third of hikers felt energized and awed by the changes they saw. The study suggests people understand and appreciate the role of fire in natural landscapes, but may need education on local ecosystems to fully grasp its impact. Survey participants were highly famili...
Research in mice reveals that lactation temporarily changes how a mother's TIDA neurons regulate prolactin secretion, causing them to fire more frequently and out of rhythm. However, these changes are fully reversible after weaning, suggesting a unique adaptation to motherhood.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated that composite metal foams can withstand extreme temperatures, passing the simulated pool fire test with flying colors. The material's performance was predicted using a model developed by the team, which showed accurate results within 10 degrees Celsius.
The UC San Diego team created a nano-composite separator that slows down the flow of energy and heat inside lithium metal batteries when they short circuit. This allows the battery to self-discharge gradually, preventing catastrophic failure and potential fires.
Research reveals that animals like goats, termites, and elephants can suppress fires by altering plant consumption and habitat structure. Grazing animals can increase wildfire severity if not managed strategically, while insects stimulate plant defenses against flames.
Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.
Tasmania's ancient King Billy pine trees are at risk due to increasing wildfires and dry conditions. The study found that fire refugia are breaching, making it unlikely for the species to recover.
A new study assesses road tunnel fire safety mechanisms, finding that increased awareness and education can significantly reduce human life risks. The research highlights the importance of educating commuters on emergency protocols and evacuation procedures in response to a tunnel fire.
Researchers studied 51 cats injured in California wildfires and found a high incidence of heart problems, including thickening of the heart muscle and blood clot formation. The study suggests that wildfires may be a harbinger of human health effects, with severe burns increasing cardiovascular changes.
A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that San Francisco women firefighters are exposed to higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals than office workers. The study aims to document the risks faced by women firefighters and ensure they receive necessary protections for cancer prevention and compensation.
Researchers analyzed high-resolution soot deposition to determine how dry glacial periods affected wildfire events. The results revealed clear glacial-interglacial cycles of wildfire, linked to drier glacial periods and higher dust loads in the atmosphere.
A study reveals a cyclical link between high-intensity Asian wildfires and dry glacial periods, with fires associated with increased dust loads and decreased CO2 levels. The findings hint at potential climate effects through the iron cycle, suggesting a connection between fires, dust, and global climate system.
Two studies from University of Miami researchers show that mindfulness training programs tailored for firefighters and soldiers improve attention, mood, and resilience. The Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT) program provides tools to succeed under VUCA circumstances.
A recent study published in PNAS found that fires have a significant impact on plant survival and distribution, often exceeding the effects of climate change. The research highlights the importance of considering other environmental factors, such as human land use practices, in understanding biodiversity.
A study found that yellow-footed antechinus, a shrew-like marsupial species, are less able to respond effectively to prolonged heat waves due to their limited physiological flexibility. This has significant implications for their ability to adapt to climate change in Australia.
Researchers developed AppStreamer software that streams data and code resources to apps from cloud servers when necessary, cutting down storage requirements by at least 85% for popular gaming apps. The software allows apps to use only the space they need on a phone, providing faster downloads and improved performance.
A new study published in Geology proposes that Zealandia's topographic upheaval may be linked to the formation of the western Pacific's infamous Ring of Fire. Fossils from recent seafloor drilling indicate dramatic elevation changes between 50-35 million years ago, coinciding with a global reorganization of tectonic plates.
Scientists have identified a key factor predicting post-wildfire mudslides: dry sediment loading, which adds 3-10 feet of debris to mountain channels. Authorities can use lidar technology to map patterns of sediment loading and clear channels before storms hit.
Researchers found an 85% greater snow depth in burned areas compared to non-burned areas. Severe wildfires can lead to increased flood potential, loss of nutrients, and erosion for downstream communities.
The Orroral Valley Fire has burned 62,988 hectares of land in just one week, with the Australian Capital Territory under a State of Emergency. NASA satellites detected the fire and provided critical information to aid in firefighting efforts, saving all structures in the region.
Research from North Carolina State University found that freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more bees and bee species than unburned forests. The study suggests that prescribed fires maintain a favorable environment for pollinators by reducing ground cover and releasing nutrients, increasing flower resources.
Researchers found that prescribed fires are critical for successful reproduction in prairie plants, causing synchronized flowering which increases mating opportunities and seed production. The study observed the sex lives of individual plants for 21 years and found nearly doubled annual seed production after a prescribed burn.
Scheduled fires synchronize bloom time of Echinacea angustifolia, increasing mating opportunities and nearly doubling seed production. The study promotes plant population health and maintains diversity in fire-dependent ecosystems.
A new open-source computer program called ChemStor can find the safest way to store and dispose of reactive chemicals. The program adapts a computer science strategy to allocate resources for efficient processor use, allowing it to determine safe storage configurations.
A CU Boulder-led study reveals human-sparked fires are becoming more frequent and occurring over longer seasons, presenting new challenges for U.S. wildfire managers and firefighters. The shift toward more human-caused fires results in decreased fire intensity and size, but may not be a good thing due to changes in ecosystem roles.
To tackle massive wood fuel accumulations, California needs significant fuel treatments, including prescribed burns or vegetation thinning. The researchers propose solutions to overcome barriers, such as a risk-averse culture, limited finances, and complex regulations.
Wildfires in south eastern Brazil produce airborne pollution that worsens air quality in major cities such as Sao Paulo, cancelling efforts to improve the urban environment. The study found long-range transport of smoke contributes to poor air quality and smog in cities up to 2,000 km away.
NASA scientists used data from Suomi NPP to track Australian bushfire smoke globally, revealing its circumnavigation of the Earth. The satellite's Aerosol Index layer helps identify and track aerosols produced by wildfires, dust storms, and other events.
A team of McMaster University chemists has discovered a method to efficiently break down and dissolve tire rubber, paving the way for more effective recycling. The process addresses the massive environmental burden posed by 3 billion tires worldwide, which can leach contaminants into ecosystems.
A new study found that fire impacts water levels for up to 40 years after a wildfire, with increased flooding and elevated stream flow in subsequent summers. Salvage logging and re-seeding forest areas can help reduce these effects and restore normal water levels.