GG231 Chapter Notes -Chloromethane, Engine Knocking, Pyrolysis
Document Summary
Wildfires look at pg 320 for case study! Wildfire: an ancient phenomomenon, dating back more than 350 million years, to the time trees evolved and spread across the land. Grasses appeared 20 millions years ago, providing fuel for other types of wildfires. Climate became warmer and perhaps drier than it is today, leading to a marked increase in wildfires. Increase in charcoal in sediment dating from the first several thousand years of the holocene epoch in western north america, indicating high wildfire frequency at this time. Humans" use of fire to clear land and assist in hunting. Natural fires start by- lighting strikes, and volcanic eruptions, which allowed early humans to harness fire for heat, light and cooking. Wildfire is a self-sustaining, rapid, high temperature biochemical oxidation reaction that releases heat, light, carbon dioxide and other products. Requires 3 things: fuel, oxygen and heat (if any removed, fire goes out)
