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Russian Forest Fires Erupts Uncontrollably

by: Vancata | Views: 6 | Date: 30-07-2010, 20:23

In Russian news, forest fires spread in Russia and continue to claim more lives. It is said that there has not been a forest fire like this before. Wildfires, also known as forest fires, vegetation fires, grass fires, brush fires, peat fires (“gambut” in Indonesia), bushfires (in Australasia), or hill fires, are uncontrolled fires often occurring in wild land areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources. Common causes include lightning, human carelessness, arson, volcanic eruption, and pyroclastic clouds from active volcano’s. El Niño (weather pattern disturbance), heat waves, and droughts are major contributors to extreme  wildfires.

Increase of Climate Changes

Another factor that has increased in prominence is climate change. As the climate warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. Precipitation is likely to increase in winter, but with more falling rain rather than snow. Increased melting of snow further adds to the likelihood that snow pack in the mountains and on the plains is less as spring arrives. Making less melt water as the summer looms. Drier soils mean less evaporation and so the heat goes into higher temperatures, less recycled moisture in the atmosphere, and hence less rain during summer. With increased drying, it is a recipe for increased intensity, frequency and duration of drought. Increased heat waves and risk of conflagration follow.

The climate related variables that affect the severity of the a fire season are those that affect soil moisture content, vegetation density, and the moisture content of live vegetation. Extended periods of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall are key factors that contribute to an active wildfire season. Available moisture is rapidly lost due to high evaporation rates under hot and dry conditions. If the losses due to evaporation are not replaced through precipitation, below-normal soil and vegetation moisture levels increase the potential for wildfire development.

Forest Fires Expected to Increase

Forest fires are expected to increase in some areas with climate change and decrease in others. Although some forest areas (such as the Amazon, Mediterranean and temperate US) are predicted to be much drier, and therefore more vulnerable to fire, other areas, such as tropical Africa, may be wetter and less vulnerable to fire. However, climate variability is expected to increase across the globe and this will increase periods of drought, making forests more flammable.

Increased forest fire risk is also a crucial factor in the survival of boreal forests in Russia. Most dangerous are large forest fires, which occur during extremely dry and warm years. Such climatic conditions occur periodically (every 15–20 years) in parts of the Russian boreal zone. Currently these large fires account for about 1–2% of the total number of forest fires, but burned areas reach 70–80% and losses are as much as 90% of the total values. Most climate scenarios indicate that the probability of large fires will increase. And as we see now is already occurring. To stop forest fires is to address its root, climate change. Unless this is dealt with forest fires will increase.

September 1, 2010 - Posted by shawndavidcox | News, Ready | evapotranspiration, forest fires, pyroclastic cloud, Russia, Russian boreal zone