Boreal Forest Fires and Lightning
Abstract
A forest fire experiment called FROSTFIRE (1999) was carried out in the taiga zone of Alaska, U.S.A. in July 8-15, 1999 and was completed successfully. The first author joined FROSTFIRE as a fire scientist. FROSTFIRE has provided good opportunities to clarify the conditions of boreal forest fires by conducting field research of the vegetation, thunderstorm observations before the fire, and observation of large forest fire areas, etc. This paper mainly discusses the ignition probability of forest fires by lightning by analyzing lightning data and forest fire data of AFS (Alaska Fire Service) and observation results. Thunderstorm observations by video camera from the Poker Flat top recorded multiple lightning strikes. After the storm, three plumes from forest fires were observed in different directions. The annual, daily, and local ignition probabilities by lightning are calculated and discussed. Next, the starting mechanism of lightning-caused fires occurring in boreal forests is discussed by considering characteristics of dry thunderstorms. Finally, a preliminary ignition experiment using impulse voltage generator was carried out to know ignition mechanism by lightning. Experimental results are also briefly discussed.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001AGUFM.B22C0153H
- Keywords:
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- 4806 Carbon cycling