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  1. A dynamics based view of atmosphere-fire interactions

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    Author(s): Brian E. Potter
    Date: 2002
    Source: International Journal of Wildland Fire 11:247-255
    Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
    Station: North Central Research Station
    PDF: View PDF  (1.14 MB)

    Description

    Current research on severe fire interactions with the atmosphere focuses largely on examination of correlations between fire growth and various atmospheric properties, and on the development of indices based on these correlations. The author proposes that progress requires understanding the physics and atmospheric dynamics behind the correlations. A conceptual 3-stage model of fire development, based on atmospheric structure, is presented. Using parcel theory and basic atmospheric dynamics equations, the author proposes possible causal explanations for some of the known correlations. The atmospheric dynamics are discussed in terms of the 3-stage model, but can also be viewed more generally. The overall goal is to reframe fire-atmosphere interactions in a way that will allow better understanding and progress in fire science, prediction, and safety.

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    Citation

    Potter, Brian E. 2002. A dynamics based view of atmosphere-fire interactions. International Journal of Wildland Fire 11:247-255

    Keywords

    fire weather, behavior, plume-dominated fire, blowup fire

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