GG231 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Pyrolysis, Wildfire Suppression, Engine Knocking
Document Summary
Introduction: fire is strongly linked to biological processes. The basic controlling factors of fire are oxygen, fuel (plant material) and heat. Dry conditions and warm weather all helped the flames spread. The ignition of the fire is unknown: there are a number of ecosystems across the planet that have vegetation cover that is dependent on occasional fires. Locating settlements in fire hazard regions only increases the risk for the community. Therefore, a better understanding of the ecology of vegetation communities will improve future management strategies: wildfire management presents a complex topic as it is a combination of encouraging and suppressing fires it is a delicate balancing act. Fuel, which can include plant material, human material, and structures. Oxygen, which is found readily in the atmosphere. Vegetation is brought to a temperature and water content at which it can ignite and burn.
