Wildfires Flashcards
(28 cards)
Yes, they can be a natural process in many ecosystems
Can wildfires be positive ?
Yes, they can be natural processes in many ecosystems
What are some benefits of wildfires
It can clear vegetation,
help seeds to germinate
Can get rid of parasites
How many different types of fire are there ?
3
List the 3 types of fires ?
Surface fires
Crown fires
Ground fires
Which fire is the easiest to put out ?
Surface fires
What is a crown fire
A crown fire is a fire which spread up the trees and are the most intense wildfire
What is a surface fire.
A surface fire is a fire than burn lead litter and grasses as they travel over the ground
What is a ground fire ?
A ground fire are fires which burn underground in dry, peaty soil and move slowly
What do the weather conditions tend to be for wildfires to occur ?
Dry ground
Windy weather
Low humidity
Why is wind so dangerous when spreading a wildfire
As wind drives the fire on and spreads embers which ignite more vegetation.
POS
Define a wildfire
A uncontrolled natural fire
What is the ladder effect ?
Where the fire spreads up the tree, eventually reaching the canopy
List the human factors for wildfires occuring
Arson
Gunfire
Powerlines
Campfire
Disposal barbecue
Cigarettes
List natural factors for wildfires
Lightning strikes
Earthquakes
Meteorite
Lack of precipitation
Volcanoes
What factors cause wildfires to spread ?
Lack of rainfall
Build up of debris
Higher temperatures
Wind (direction and speed)
Mismanaged forest
Type of vegitation
Topography of the area
What are the 3 stages of wildfire growth ?
- Pre heating
- Flaming combustion
- Glowing combustion
What impact does steeper slope have
It causes for a faster spread of fire
What is El Niño
A cyclical climatic condition involving the warming of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America
How often does El Niño occur
6-8 years
What does El Niño lead to
A change in global patterns of temperatures and rainfall
