Fire ecology

About: Fire ecology is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2753 publications have been published within this topic receiving 151038 citations. The topic is also known as: wildfire ecology.

Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests

Abstract: It was once widely believed that landscapes become increasingly stable over time until eventually reaching a "climax state" of complete stability. In recent years, however, that idea has been challenged by a new understanding of the importance and inevitability of forces such as storms and fires that keep ecosystems in a state of constant change. The dynamics of fire ecology has emerged as a central feature of the new understanding as scientists and land managers redefine traditional assumptions about the growth and development of ecosystems. Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests is a historical, analytical, and ecological approach to the effects and use of fire in Pacific Northwest wildlands. James K. Agee, a leading expert in the emerging field of fire ecology, analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of the natural forests common to most of the western United States. In addition to examining fire from an ecological perspective, he provides insight into its historical and cultural aspects, and also touches on some of the political issues that influence the use and control of fire in the United States. In addition to serving as a sourcebook for natural area managers interested in restoring or maintaining fire regimes in Pacific Northwest wildlands, this volume provides an essential base of knowledge for all others interested in wildland management who wish to understand the ecological effects of fire. Although the chapters on the ecology of specific forest zones focus on the Pacific Northwest, much of the book addresses issues not unique to that region.

The global distribution of ecosystems in a world without fire

Abstract: This paper is the first global study of the extent to which fire determines global vegetation patterns by preventing ecosystems from achieving the potential height, biomass and dominant functional types expected under the ambient climate (climate potential). To determine climate potential, we simulated vegetation without fire using a dynamic global-vegetation model. Model results were tested against fire exclusion studies from different parts of the world. Simulated dominant growth forms and tree cover were compared with satellite-derived land- and tree-cover maps. Simulations were generally consistent with results of fire exclusion studies in southern Africa and elsewhere. Comparison of global 'fire off' simulations with landcover and treecover maps show that vast areas of humid C(4) grasslands and savannas, especially in South America and Africa, have the climate potential to form forests. These are the most frequently burnt ecosystems in the world. Without fire, closed forests would double from 27% to 56% of vegetated grid cells, mostly at the expense of C(4) plants but also of C(3) shrubs and grasses in cooler climates. C(4) grasses began spreading 6-8 Ma, long before human influence on fire regimes. Our results suggest that fire was a major factor in their spread into forested regions, splitting biotas into fire tolerant and intolerant taxa.

Forest disturbances under climate change

Abstract: Forest disturbances are sensitive to climate. However, our understanding of disturbance dynamics in response to climatic changes remains incomplete, particularly regarding large-scale patterns, interaction effects and dampening feedbacks. Here we provide a global synthesis of climate change effects on important abiotic (fire, drought, wind, snow and ice) and biotic (insects and pathogens) disturbance agents. Warmer and drier conditions particularly facilitate fire, drought and insect disturbances, while warmer and wetter conditions increase disturbances from wind and pathogens. Widespread interactions between agents are likely to amplify disturbances, while indirect climate effects such as vegetation changes can dampen long-term disturbance sensitivities to climate. Future changes in disturbance are likely to be most pronounced in coniferous forests and the boreal biome. We conclude that both ecosystems and society should be prepared for an increasingly disturbed future of forests.

Fire and Plants

Abstract: Introduction. Why and how do ecosystems burn? Surviving fires - vegetative and reproductive responses. Plant demography and fire I: Interval dependent effects. Plant demography and fire II: Event-dependent effects. Fire and the evolutionary ecology of plants. Fire, competition and the organization of communities. Fire and management. Fire and the ecology of a changing world. References. Index.

The Ecology of Fire

Abstract: Acknowledgements 1. Fire ecology - an introduction 2. Fire - the phenomenon 3. Survival of individual organisms 4. Approaches to population studies 5. Plant populations 6. Animal populations 7. Community responses to fire 8. Fire and management References Index.