Learn More. California has experienced devastating and historic fire activity over the past two years. In fact, there have been roughly 15, fires statewide since , while the five-year average from Jan. Nearly six million acres have burned since , or six times the average acreage over a five-year period. What exactly is going on? Are warmer temperatures to blame? The drought?
And because of climate change , dry conditions are lasting longer and, in turn, causing longer fire seasons. Maybe we would have [strong] winds, but it would be too wet to start a fire [in California]," Quinn-Davidson said. But mid-November of was dry enough to perpetuate the most deadly and destructive fire in the Golden State's history.
Though it's been a record-breaking year in California, wildfires are not new. In fact, they are a natural and necessary part of many ecosystems, including California's forests. But the wildfires we see today are different from those natural blazes, burning faster and hotter. We've never seen that before. The change in our climate, perpetuated by human-made greenhouse gas emissions, extends the window of the annual fire season.
But wildfires also burn faster and hotter simply because there is more fuel to burn. With their special vision, weather satellites like GOES can detect fire and smoke—and see the heat of very small fires—before they are spotted on the ground. Meteorologists also use data from GOES satellites to give firefighters an up-to-the-minute forecast of changing wildfire conditions.
Smoke from a fire can cause poor visibility for the helicopters and airplanes that are used to fight fires. Thankfully, GOES satellites are always up there keeping an eye on things to try and help us stay safe!
Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big.
Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries. History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia.
Magazine How one image captures 21 hours of a volcanic eruption. Science Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. Science The controversial sale of 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops. Science Coronavirus Coverage How antivirals may change the course of the pandemic.
Science Coronavirus Coverage U. Travel A road trip in Burgundy reveals far more than fine wine. Travel My Hometown In L. Travel The last artists crafting a Thai royal treasure. Subscriber Exclusive Content.
Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? How viruses shape our world.
0コメント