Articles tagged with Wildfires
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A recent OSU study found that traumatic injury rates among outdoor workers in Oregon's agricultural and construction sectors are significantly higher during periods of high heat. The study examined 92,000 injury claims from 2009-2018 and found a strong association between heat index above 75 degrees and increased risk of injury.
A recent study found that cattle grazing with virtual fencing can create effective wildfire fuel breaks on sagebrush landscapes, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. The technology uses collars to communicate with GPS and reception towers, forming a virtual fence to manage livestock distribution.
A new review highlights the need for more research on the effects of wildfires on water quality in watersheds. The study found that pollutants from burned structures can exceed regulatory limits and affect the surrounding ecosystem, leading to increased risk of water contamination.
A new neural network model developed by Aalto University researchers can accurately predict the occurrence of fires in peatlands. The model identified a suite of interventions that would reduce fire incidence by 50-76%.
A NASA initiative studies wildfire-induced air pollution by measuring atmospheric CO and O3 levels using airborne observations. The study found that CO levels increased in the plume as it was transported away from the fire site, while plume age was associated with distance in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that Australian bushfires contributed to the highest recorded temperature in the lower stratosphere since the early 1990s. The smoke aerosols emitted by the fires led to a significant increase in stratospheric temperatures, with a modelled temperature spike of around 0.65 degrees Celsius.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that high-value properties in the western United States are disproportionately exposed to wildfire hazards. Researchers found that both low- and high-income communities bear a disproportionate burden of wildfires.
A team of researchers developed a unified model to predict human movement during large-scale extreme events. The model reveals 'spatiotemporal decay' and 'temporal decay,' showing people limit their mobility near disaster zones and exhibit faster changes in lower income areas.
A new study from UC Davis links air pollution exposure to increased inflammation and decreased cardiac regulation in children. Elevated markers of interleukin-6 and lower cardiac autonomic regulation were found in blood samples of healthy children aged 9-11 who lived near areas with high levels of PM2.5 during wildfires.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that counties with moderate-to-high wildfire risk are more likely to have higher poverty rates. The researchers identified 14 states in the lower 48 with the highest wildfire risk, including Arizona, California, and Texas.
Researchers from CU Boulder and NCAR found that soot and burned biomass from wildfires can affect Arctic sea ice, causing ripple effects on global climatic patterns. This study suggests a feedback loop between wildfires and Arctic sea ice, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate systems.
Scientists have developed a new method to estimate the impact of black carbon from wildfires on climate change, using measurements of light absorption by coated soot particles. The study provides a more accurate way to forecast global climate change and resolves a long-standing uncertainty in earth system models.
A new national study found that households led by women, those with children under age 18, renters, low-income individuals, and minority groups are less likely to be minimally prepared for disasters. The researchers recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with disaster preparedness resources.
Researchers discovered that cats exposed to wildfire smoke and injuries are prone to forming deadly blood clots, associated with cardiovascular disease. The study also identified a novel receptor on cat platelets that may play a role in clotting.
A new study from the University of California, Irvine finds that trees in California's mountain ranges and open spaces are dying from wildfires and other pressures, with tree cover area declining 6.7 percent since 1985. The decline is attributed to increased fire disturbance and climate stress.
A report by experts predicts 15 issues that will impact marine and coastal biodiversity in the next decade, including lithium extraction, wildfires, and overfishing. The study aims to raise awareness and encourage investment to protect these ecosystems.
New research models COVID-19 spread in wildfire incidents, showing vaccines and social distancing reduce impact on workforce. The study highlights the importance of communication outside fire environments.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a new approach to harness the power of nanosatellites, collecting data insights while in orbit and reducing latency issues. This initiative will lay groundwork for innovative applications in fields like carbon mapping, traffic management, and precision agriculture.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
Researchers at North Carolina State University designed new fire shelter prototypes to protect firefighters trapped in wildfires. The shelters showed improved thermal performance and longer survival times compared to the current industry standard, with temperatures remaining within survival limits for up to 60 seconds.
A new study published in Geology describes the earliest record of wildfire found yet to date, dating back 430 million years. The discovery provides valuable insights into the role of wildfires in Earth's systems during the Silurian period.
Research reveals Paradise, California's water contained VOCs at levels exceeding EPA standards due to degraded plastic pipes near or above ground. To protect communities, experts recommend burying service lines deeper, using isolation valves, and monitoring temperature thresholds.
A new AI-powered technique updates fuel inventories to better predict fire behavior and spread. The method, developed at NCAR, uses satellite imagery to account for pine beetle damage and was tested on the 2020 East Troublesome Fire in Colorado.
Researchers developed a method to predict Western wildfire severity based on winter and spring climate conditions. The study found that April snowpack has a persistent influence on land and atmosphere during the summer, making it more conducive for fires.
A UCI-led research team suggests that extending the prescribed burning season in California can help prevent wildland fires from getting out of control. The study found that periods during winter and spring have favorable weather conditions for safe and effective human-set blazes, but limited burn windows are a major obstacle to conduc...
A new study reveals the most intense heatwaves ever recorded globally, exposing some extreme weather events that went largely underreported in the past. The research uses climate models to project an increase in heatwave intensity in line with rising global temperatures.
A new study published by the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that wildfires in US and Canadian boreal forests between now and 2050 could release about 12 gigatons of net carbon emissions, equivalent to 3% of the remaining global carbon budget. This could jeopardize nations' ability to limit warming in line with the Paris Agreement.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are altering seasonal air pollution patterns and causing a spike in unhealthy pollutants in August. The research found that carbon monoxide levels have increased sharply, indicating the extent of smoke's impacts on clean air gains.
A new study finds that California wildfires increase both revenues and expenditures in municipalities, resulting in a budget shortfall over many years. The unique state constitution limits property assessments, but still leads to higher taxes and a boom in housing reassessments after fires.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
A new study finds that climate change will increase the risk of debris flows, flash floods, and extreme rainfall events following wildfires in the western US. By the end of the century, more than 90% of extreme fire events will be followed by at least three extreme rainfalls within five years.
A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that aerosols carried in older wildfire smoke plumes can still affect climate. The research, led by Qi Zhang, discovered that particulate matter concentrations were low but oxidized organic aerosols from burning biomass were detected throughout the samples.
Researchers found that brown carbon from biomass burning contributes significantly to Arctic warming, exceeding previous estimates. The study highlights the importance of wildfire mitigation and suggests a positive feedback loop where increased wildfires emit more brown carbon aerosols, further heating the earth.
A new study reveals that smoke from major wildfires can destroy atmospheric ozone in the Southern Hemisphere for months. Researchers warn that more frequent wildfires with a changing climate will lead to increased damage and exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Recent wildfires have led to a palpable change in fire dynamics, with large fires becoming more common and spreading into new areas. The study found that fire frequency doubled in the West and quadrupled in the Great Plains since 2000.
Researchers found that big trees provide a doughnut-shaped zone surrounding them where snowpack can endure, benefiting forests with sparse precipitation. The study suggests conserving healthy and large tree species can help retain snow on the ground.
A novel framework for improving scientific understanding of 'recurrent acute disasters' (RADs) has been developed to account for legacy conditions that leave people vulnerable in the wake of repeated disasters. The framework proposes a holistic view of the 'human ecosystem' and trends in legacy conditions.
The European Union is projected to experience increased fire-prone areas, threatening biodiversity and carbon sinks. The IPCC report highlights the need for adaptation in addressing wildfires, focusing on fire and forest management to increase ecosystem resilience.
Two studies on hurricane and wildfire survivors found that negative personal experiences drive adaptation behaviors, while considering vulnerabilities is crucial for effective communication and policy. These findings inform public communications and policy to empower vulnerable communities.
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.
Rising temperatures are causing the world's coldest forests to shift northward, threatening biodiversity and increasing wildfire risks. Soil nutrient availability also plays a key role in the response of boreal vegetation to climate change.
The number of wildfires is projected to increase by 50% by 2100 due to climate change and land-use changes. Governments are called to radically shift their investments to focus on prevention and preparedness.
A new study found that hot, dry nights have increased by 45% in the US West over the past four decades, leading to more intense and frequent wildfires. The warmer nighttime conditions make it harder for firefighters to slow down or extinguish fires, which are becoming 28% more intense.
A new study found that Australian bushfires are linked to British colonisation and climate change, with forests becoming denser and more flammable due to the increase in woody biomass. Indigenous burning practices ceased after colonial settlement, leading to an increase in shrub cover and unprecedented wildfires.
A new UF study found that climate change intensifies the negative effects of invasive plants on longleaf pine trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. The experiment showed that trees under stress from both drought and invasive cogongrass were least likely to survive after fire.
A new Stanford University study reveals that communities near the West's wildland-urban interface are vulnerable to wildfires due to drought-sensitive ecosystems. The research identifies 18 'double-hazard' zones where plant-water sensitivity and atmospheric dryness create high wildfire risks.
A new study analyzes three decades of radar data to build a catalogue of rainbands, helping scientists create storm prediction algorithms. The researchers found that 60% of events resulted in at least one National Weather Service warning, with some associated with atmospheric rivers.
A study found that frequent-fire forests in the Sierra Nevada have far fewer trees due to fire suppression, leading to increased competition among remaining trees. Managing for resilience involves drastically reducing densities to create low-density stands with less tree competition.
A long-term monitoring program found that wildfires and salvage logging negatively affected fisher abundance by 27% and population density. The study suggests that increased severity and frequency of wildfires will have negative impacts on fishers and change community composition for medium-size predators.
A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.
A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.
A global survey of 10,000 children and young people found that nearly half report feeling anxious and distressed due to government inaction on climate change. The study concludes that governments must take collective action to protect the mental health of young people by addressing climate change.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
Researchers link dwindling Arctic sea ice to worsening wildfires in the Western United States, finding a previously unknown mechanism driving the connection. As sea ice melts, it warms surrounding areas, triggering heat and fire-favorable conditions in distant states.
A study found concurrent heatwaves occurring simultaneously in mid- to high-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere were seven times greater in the 2010s, causing more severe societal impacts. The heat events grew hotter and larger, exhausting countries' ability to provide mutual aid during crises.
Researchers at UC Berkeley propose creating a market for small diameter trees and woody biomass to reduce wildfire risk while limiting carbon emissions. By investing in innovative wood products, the state can achieve both net carbon benefits and wildfire mitigation benefits.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.