Description
From the Conclusions ... 'In addition to being a significant instantaneous global source of atmospheric gases and particulates, burning enhances the biogenic emissions of NO and N2O from the world's soils. Biomass burning affects the reflectivity and emmissivity of the earth's surface. Burning also affects the hydrological cycle by changing rates of land evaporation and water runoff. For the reasons outlined here, it appears that biomass burning may be a significant driver for global change. It seems appropriate to conclude this summary with a quotation from fire historian Stephen J. Pyne (1991): 'We are uniquely fire creatures on a uniquely fire planet, and through fire the destiny of humans has bound itself to the destiny of the planet.'' © 2000 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.