The influence of vegetation, fire spread and fire behaviour on biomass burning and trace gas emissions: results from a process-based model
Open Access
- 23 June 2010
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Copernicus GmbH in Biogeosciences (online)
- Vol. 7 (6), 1991-2011
- https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-7-1991-2010
Abstract
A process-based fire regime model (SPITFIRE) has been developed, coupled with ecosystem dynamics in the LPJ Dynamic Global Vegetation Model, and used to explore fire regimes and the current impact of fire on the terrestrial carbon cycle and associated emissions of trace atmospheric constituents. The model estimates an average release of 2.24 Pg C yr−1 as CO2 from biomass burning during the 1980s and 1990s. Comparison with observed active fire counts shows that the model reproduces where fire occurs and can mimic broad geographic patterns in the peak fire season, although the predicted peak is 1–2 months late in some regions. Modelled fire season length is generally overestimated by about one month, but shows a realistic pattern of differences among biomes. Comparisons with remotely sensed burnt-area products indicate that the model reproduces broad geographic patterns of annual fractional burnt area over most regions, including the boreal forest, although interannual variability in the boreal zone is underestimated.Keywords
This publication has 77 references indexed in Scilit:
- Wildfire responses to abrupt climate change in North AmericaProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2009
- Experimental fuel treatment impacts on forest structure, potential fire behavior, and predicted tree mortality in a California mixed conifer forestForest Ecology and Management, 2005
- Influences of boreal fire emissions on Northern Hemisphere atmospheric carbon and carbon monoxideGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles, 2005
- Terrestrial vegetation and water balance—hydrological evaluation of a dynamic global vegetation modelJournal of Hydrology, 2003
- Projecting future fire activity in AmazoniaGlobal Change Biology, 2003
- Global frequency and distribution of lightning as observed from space by the Optical Transient DetectorJournal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 2003
- Prescribed fire mortality of Sierra Nevada mixed conifer tree species: effects of crown damage and forest floor combustionForest Ecology and Management, 2002
- Large forest fires in Canada, 1959–1997Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 2002
- Variability in the emission of carbon‐based trace gases from wildfire in the Alaskan boreal forestJournal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 2002
- Impacts of biomass burning on tropospheric CO, NOx, and O3Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 2000