How much does weather control fire size and intensity in the Mediterranean region?
This study investigates the synoptic conditions favorable to wildfires in the Mediterranean region, in terms of fire intensity and burnt area. As reported in the literature, Mediterranean large wildfires are associated with a blocking situation. However, this study shows the existence of two type...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2015-07-01
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| Series: | Annales Geophysicae |
| Online Access: | https://www.ann-geophys.net/33/931/2015/angeo-33-931-2015.pdf |
| Summary: | This study investigates the synoptic conditions favorable to wildfires in the
Mediterranean region, in terms of fire intensity and burnt area. As reported
in the literature, Mediterranean large wildfires are associated with a
blocking situation. However, this study shows the existence of two types of
wildfires controlled by the blocking high intensity: (1) fast build-up of a
weak blocking produces intense wildfires associated with strong winds which
allow propagation over long distances; (2) longer build-up of strong blocking
situation produces less intense wildfires associated with weaker winds which
also propagate over long distances. Another major step forward of this study
in the understanding of the drivers of those wildfires is the evidence of a
perfect match between the period of wildfire activity and the persistence of
the favorable synoptic conditions: the wildfire activity starts at the onset
of the blocking situation and ends with the transition to a less favorable
synoptic weather pattern. Such strong control of the wildfire activity by the
concomitant weather is a very promising result regarding fire risk
management, especially considering the accidental nature of the Mediterranean
wildfires. |
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| ISSN: | 0992-7689 1432-0576 |