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Type: Journal Article
Author(s): Brian E. Potter
Publication Date: 2005

Combustion of woody material produces and releases water, but the effects of this water on the atmospheric circulation created by a wildfire are rarely recognized, let alone understood. This paper presents observational data and basic physical arguments to support the hypothesis that this moisture can constitute a large portion of the total water content in a fire plume. Calculations demonstrate the effects this moisture could have on fire-driven atmospheric circulations, specifically updrafts and downdrafts, on time and space scales important for fire behavior and fire-fighter safety. This study should be considered exploratory; it does not prove the presence or importance of this moisture, but seeks to show that further study is needed to determine how much moisture a fire adds to the air, and whether that amount is or is not important.

Online Links
Citation: Potter, Brian E. 2005. The role of released moisture in the atmospheric dynamics associated with wildland fires. International Journal of Wildland Fire 14(1):77-84.

Cataloging Information

Regions:
Alaska    California    Eastern    Great Basin    Hawaii    Northern Rockies    Northwest    Rocky Mountain    Southern    Southwest    National
Keywords:
  • combustion
  • convection
  • downdraft
  • plume
Record Last Modified:
Record Maintained By: FRAMES Staff (https://www.frames.gov/contact)
FRAMES Record Number: 4917