Wildfires In Russia Research Articles

Increase in Arctic Oscillations explains most interannual variability in Russia’s wildfires

Over the past two decades, the escalating emissions of greenhouse gases from boreal wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere have drawn significant attention, underscoring an unprecedented wildfire season in 2021. Our calculations indicate that between 2002 and 2020, wildfires in Russia released approximately 726 ± 280 Tg CO2eqv yr−1. This aligns closely with similar estimates derived from remote sensing data, far surpassing the earlier approximations found in the Russian National Inventory Report (NIR) by a factor of 2 to 3. Notably, in 2021 alone, Russia’s wildfires emitted an exceptionally high amount of 1,700 Tg CO2eqv, exceeding the carbon emissions from the country’s fossil fuel consumption. Consequently, this situation led to an almost complete counterbalance of carbon assimilation by Russian forests. Our analysis attributes over 50% of the variation in wildfire frequency between 2002 and 2021 to shifts in the Arctic Oscillation (AO). This suggests a potential for utilizing AO as a predictive variable for wildfires. It’s noteworthy that the AO itself is influenced by the sustained regression of Arctic sea-ice. From this, it can be inferred that in the foreseeable future, Russian forests might undergo a transition from their role as carbon sinks to the potential net contributors of carbon to the atmosphere.

СВЯЗЬ ПРИРОДНЫХ ПОЖАРОВ В РОССИЙСКИХ РЕГИОНАХ С АТМОСФЕРНЫМИ БЛОКИРОВАНИЯМИ

Results of the analysis of wildfires in Russian regions using satellite data for 2000-2021 are presented. The results indicate a predominant increase in the number of intense fires in Russia, which has been especially noticeable in recent years. Using reanalysis data, a significant correlation between wildfires in Russia and atmospheric blocking has been revealed. An integral blockings index, whose value can reach and exceed 10% for fire seasons in Russian regions from April to October, was used to characterize atmospheric blocking. It has been found that an increase in the integral blockings index by 1% corresponds to an increase in the number of forest fires in Russia by 14%. According to the estimates, the contribution to the variance of interannual change in the number of wildfires associated with atmospheric blockings reaches ~40%.

Intense Wildfires in Russia over a 22-Year Period According to Satellite Data

The spatiotemporal distributions of wildfire areas and FRP values for the territory of Russia and its large regions (the European part of Russia, as well as the Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern Federal Districts) during 2001–2022 were analyzed using satellite data. For the territory of Russia, there was a decreasing trend in annual burned areas and a small increase in average hotspot FRP. At the same time, the largest annual burned areas in the territory of Russia were recorded in 2008 (295.2 thous. km2), 2002 (272.4 thous. km2), 2006 (261.2 thous. km2), and in 2012 (258.4 thous. km2). It was found that during the studied period, 90% of fire hotspots in Russia had a maximum FRP < 100 MW. The most intense wildfires (FRP > 1500 MW) amounted to only 0.1% and were detected mainly in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts. Interconnections between large wildfires and meteorological factors, including blocking activity in the atmosphere, were revealed.

Technologies for the prevention and extinguishing of wildfires in Russia and the world: the dynamics of patent activity and patentological prospects

Рresents a patent review of technologies for the prevention and extinguishing of wildfires in the Russian Federation and the world over the last 30 years. The analysis of patent documents shows that there have been around 300 patent applications per year throughout the study period. The patent offices of China and the United States possess the largest number of patent families. In addition, China has a large number of patents with little legal protection, i.e. to protect specific technical solutions. In the Russian Federation, research organizations in the regions with extensive forest resources and a complex fire situation focus on developments in the field of prevention and extinguishing of wildfires. Technical solutions of Russian developers are relevant since they correspond to global patenting trends and have the thoroughly studied application materials. However, Russian patent holders experience difficulties when their developments enter into civil circulation, which decreases the number of valid protective documents. Thus, the transfer of technologies for the prevention and extinguishing of forest fires needs to be developed. The main technological areas of application are Environmental Technologies, Control, Transport, Measurement, and Computer and Telecommunication Technologies. The distribution shows that traditional ways of fighting fires are being improved, mainly fire-fighting equipment with the most active development of technologies for detecting, monitoring and controlling forest fires. Additional analysis of records has identified software products, registered in the Russian Federation, which are designed to prevent and extinguish wildfires. The prospects of patenting have been assessed and the features of conducting a patent search on this subject have been indicated.

Studying the Dynamics of Wildfires in Russia in 2001–2020 Taking into Account Climatic Factors

Studying the Dynamics of Wildfires in Russia in 2001–2020 Taking into Account Climatic Factors

Relation between Pyrogenic NO2 Emissions from Wildfires in Russia and Atmospheric Blocking Events

Relation between Pyrogenic NO2 Emissions from Wildfires in Russia and Atmospheric Blocking Events

Relationship of pyrogenic NO<sub>2</sub> emissions from wildfires in Russia with atmospheric blocking events

Relationship of pyrogenic NO<sub>2</sub> emissions from wildfires in Russia with atmospheric blocking events

Спутниковая оценка гибели древостоев от пожаров по данным о сезонном распределении пройденной огнем площади

Спутниковая оценка гибели древостоев от пожаров по данным о сезонном распределении пройденной огнем площади

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Multi-Year Wildfires and Emissions of Trace Gases and Aerosols in Russia Based on Satellite Data

An analysis is performed of the annual and intraseasonal dynamics of wildfire areas and volumes of trace gas components (CO, CO2, CH4, NO, and NO2) and fine aerosols (PM2.5) caused by wildfires in Russia and its large regions over 19 years. The analysis is based on results from satellite monitoring, allowing for the effect anomalies in weather and climate have on the intensity of fires. It is shown that the average size of areas burned monthly in the European part of Russia fell by half in April, May, and September, and by a factor of four in July and August over the period 2011 to 2019, compared to the respective months in 2001–2010. A negative trend is observed for spring and autumn from 2010 to 2019 in the Siberian and Ural federal districts, along with a summer increase in fire areas. It is found that over 19 years, the dynamics of the burned areas is weakly defined for most months of the fire season in the Far Eastern Federal District. Extremely high volumes of emissions of different trace gases (including CO and CO2) and aerosols caused by wildfires were detected in the Siberian Federal District in 2003 and 2012.

Long-range transported biomass-burning aerosols from large-scale wildfires in Russia and surrounding regions with respect to radioactive tracers

Biomass burning caused by anthropogenic activity such as agriculture-burning periods (common practice during harvesting, post-harvesting, or preplanting) or naturally occurring forest fires, and domestic biofuel combustion is a frequent phenomenon causing global concern. Agricultural burning, although restricted in some countries, significantly contributes to regional air-quality deterioration and national emissions. This work focuses on atmospheric measurements at the suburbs of Athens, on August 2010, during extensive forest fires in the European Russian central plains. The effect of these fires on the measured concentrations of specific radioactive isotopes and biomass-burning tracers was studied, for long-range transport of aerosols from Russian plains. Mean total beta radioactivity was found more than 2.5 times higher during the incident compared to background values. High values were also reported for the isotope 40K, and its fluctuations were following the course of the event. 7Be showed no significant difference between the two periods, which is expected due to its origin. During the event 234Th (238U), activity concentrations were also detected. Their fluctuations showed no significant correlation with the course of the event. The average values during the period before and right after the incident is for organic carbon 2.74 μg/m3, elemental carbon 1.53 μg/m3, and for carbonate carbon 0.16 μg/m3. During the incident, the highest values were observed on August 18, with concentrations for organic carbon 5.49 μg/m3, elemental carbon 0.64 μg/m3, and carbonate carbon 0.32 μg/m3. This fact may be considered as an indicator of biomass-burning incident during the period 12–19 August 2010.

Satellite Monitoring of Burnt-out Areas and Emissions of Harmful Contaminants Due to Forest and Other Wildfires in Russia

In this paper we summarize the results of the satellite monitoring of various types of wildfires, as well as emissions of carbon-containing the CO and CO2 gases and the fine PM2.5 aerosol into the atmosphere due to wildfires, throughout the Russian Federation and several of its regions in 2005–2017. The methodology and features of the satellite system used for the monitoring are described. An analysis of the overall estimations of the total wildfire areas, areas of burnt-out forests, as well as the volumes of harmful contaminant emissions due to them, is given. It is shown that between 2005 and 2017 the total areas of all types of wildfires in Russia, including forest fires, more than halved due to the measures taken on urgent fire detection and well-timed actions to extinguish them. The burnt-out areas reached a peak of 234 700 km2 in 2006 were minimal (74 000 km2) in 2013. The largest areas of burnt-out forest were in the Siberian Federal District. Fires spread to a maximum of 53 600 km2 in this region in 2012, while the total burnt-out areas covered 65 000 km2.

Spacetime Distributions of Wildfire Areas and Emissions of Carbon-Containing Gases and Aerosols in Northern Eurasia according to Satellite-Monitoring Data

Based on online wildfire satellite-monitoring data, distributions of burned-out areas, as well as emission volumes of carbon-containing gases (СО and СО2) and fine aerosols (РМ2.5), for different regions and months in 2005–2016 (across the territory of Russia) and in 2010–2016 (northern Eurasia) are analyzed. Distinctive features of the seasonal behavior of wildfires and emission volumes of carbon-containing gases and fine aerosols for different regions of northern Eurasia are determined. It is shown that between 2005 and 2016 the annual area of territories burned out during wildfires in Russia decreased by almost a factor of 2.6 owing to early detection and suppression of fire sources. It is determined that in 2014–2016 the relative size of burned-out areas in Ukraine increased 6–9-fold and volumes of СО, СО2, and РМ2.5 emissions by more than a factor of 6.5–7.5 times when compared to earlier years and these characteristics for other European countries.

Micromorphological characteristics of sandy forest soils recently impacted by wildfires in Russia

Abstract. Two fire-affected soils were studied using micromorphological methods. The objective of the paper is to assess and compare fire effects on the micropedological organisation of soils in a forest-steppe zone of central Russia (Volga Basin, Togliatti city). Samples were collected in the green zone of Togliatti city. The results showed that both soils were rich in quartz and feldspar. Mica was highly present in soils affected by surface fires, while calcium carbonates were identified in the soils affected by crown fires. The type of plasma is humus–clay, but the soil assemblage is plasma–silt with a prevalence of silt. Angular and subangular grains are the most dominant soil particulates. No evidence of intensive weathering was detected. There was a decrease in the porosity of soils affected by fires as a consequence of soil pores filled with ash and charcoal.

Satellite monitoring of trace gas and aerosol emissions during wildfires in Russia

Peculiarities of the formation of carbon gas and fine aerosol emissions into the atmosphere during wildfires are analyzed. A prompt satellite monitoring system and technique for the assessment of burnt areas and volumes of CO2, CO, and PM2.5 emissions from wildfires are described. The results of satellite monitoring of the Russian Federation and some Russian regions for different months over 2010–2014 are given; burnt areas and volumes of carbon gas and aerosol emissions throughout the entire territory are assessed. The peculiarities of seasonal frequencies of wildfires and volumes of hazardous gas and fine aerosol emissions in the regions under study are identified.

Аномальные пожары 2010 и 2012 гг. на территории России и поступление черного углерода в Арктику

Аномальные пожары 2010 и 2012 гг. на территории России и поступление черного углерода в Арктику

Indirect estimation of absorption properties for fine aerosol particles using AATSR observations: a case study of wildfires in Russia in 2010

Abstract. The Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) on board the ENVISAT satellite is used to study aerosol properties. The retrieval of aerosol properties from satellite data is based on the optimized fit of simulated and measured reflectances at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The simulations are made using a radiative transfer model with a variety of representative aerosol properties. The retrieval process utilizes a combination of four aerosol components, each of which is defined by their (lognormal) size distribution and a complex refractive index: a weakly and a strongly absorbing fine-mode component, coarse mode sea salt aerosol and coarse mode desert dust aerosol). These components are externally mixed to provide the aerosol model which in turn is used to calculate the aerosol optical depth (AOD). In the AATSR aerosol retrieval algorithm, the mixing of these components is decided by minimizing the error function given by the sum of the differences between measured and calculated path radiances at 3–4 wavelengths, where the path radiances are varied by varying the aerosol component mixing ratios. The continuous variation of the fine-mode components allows for the continuous variation of the fine-mode aerosol absorption. Assuming that the correct aerosol model (i.e. the correct mixing fractions of the four components) is selected during the retrieval process, also other aerosol properties could be computed such as the single scattering albedo (SSA). Implications of this assumption regarding the ratio of the weakly/strongly absorbing fine-mode fraction are investigated in this paper by evaluating the validity of the SSA thus obtained. The SSA is indirectly estimated for aerosol plumes with moderate-to-high AOD resulting from wildfires in Russia in the summer of 2010. Together with the AOD, the SSA provides the aerosol absorbing optical depth (AAOD). The results are compared with AERONET data, i.e. AOD level 2.0 and SSA and AAOD inversion products. The RMSE (root mean square error) is 0.03 for SSA and 0.02 for AAOD lower than 0.05. The SSA is further evaluated by comparison with the SSA retrieved from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). The SSA retrieved from both instruments show similar features, with generally lower AATSR-estimated SSA values over areas affected by wildfires.

Child Protection During Disasters.

Children worldwide are being increasingly exposed to natural calamities and environmental hazards. In the last two decades, over 100 million children and adolescents have been affected by man-made and natural disasters. As per United Nations estimates, the direct economic cost of disasters since 2000 was $1.4 trillion, cautioning that the real impact on people’s livelihoods and the wider economy are likely to be much bigger, and are hard to measure [1]. The most recent events include the Nepal Earthquake, Hurricane Sandy, Haiti Earthquake, Wildfires in Russia, and Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Countries have not yet fully recovered from some past disasters such as Sumatra tsunami in 2004.

Wildfire effects on ash composition and biological properties of soils in forest–steppe ecosystems of Russia

Soils affected by forest wildfires in Russia in 2010 were studied in postfire and unburned plots near Togljatty city, Samara region. The microbial biomass, basal respiration of the soil, and the ash composition dynamics were investigated under the effect of forest fires during the 3 years at the site of a surface forest fire, a crown forest fire site, and a site unaffected by fire as a control (unburned). Soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm. The analytic data obtained showed that wildfires led to changes in the chemical composition of soil horizons and increased their ash content. Fires led to the accumulation of nutrients (P and K) in the fine earth of the soil. Thus, when the upper horizons are burned, the ash arriving on the soil surface enriches it with nutrients. The calcium content was also increased, leading to an alkaline pH of the upper soil horizons. The values of nutrients decreased as a result of leaching out with a precipitation during the second year after the fire. The unburned soils were characterized by the greatest values of microbial biomass carbon in the top horizon and the biggest values of basal respiration, whereas both parameters decline in postfire soils. Nevertheless, this influence did not extend to depths >10 cm. Thus, the effects of fire on soils were recognized as a decrease of microbiological activity.

The direct radiative effect of wildfire smoke on a severe thunderstorm event in the Baltic Sea region

On August 8, 2010, a severe derecho type thunderstorm in the Baltic Sea region coincided with smoke from wildfires in Russia. Remarkable smoke aerosol concentrations, with a maximum aerosol optical depth of more than 2 at 550nm, were observed near the thunderstorm. The impact of the wildfire smoke on the thunderstorm through direct radiative effects was investigated using the Hirlam Aladin Research for Mesoscale Operational Numerical Weather Prediction in Euromed (HARMONIE) model. HARMONIE was successfully able to resolve the dynamics of the thunderstorm, and simulations that considered the influence of the smoke-related aerosols were compared to simulation without aerosols. As simulated by the HARMONIE model, the smoke reduced the shortwave radiation flux at the surface by as much as 300W/m2 and decreased the near-surface temperature by as much as 3°C in the vicinity of the thunderstorm and respectively 100W/m2 and 1°C in the thunderstorm region. Atmospheric instability decreased through the direct radiative effect of aerosols, and several dynamic features of the simulated thunderstorm appeared slightly weaker.

Physicochemical characterization of aged biomass burning aerosol after long-range transport to Greece from large scale wildfires in Russia and surrounding regions, Summer 2010

Smoke aerosol emitted by large scale wildfires in the European part of Russia and Ukraine, was transported to Athens, Greece during August 2010 and detected at an urban background site. Measurements were conducted for physico-chemical characterization of the aged aerosol and included on-line monitoring of PM10 and carbonaceous particles mass concentrations, as well as number size distributions and aerosol optical properties. In addition TSP filter samples were analyzed for major inorganic ions, while morphology and composition of particles was studied by individual particle analysis. Results supported the long-range transport of smoke plumes from Ukraine and Russia burning areas indicated by back trajectory analysis. An increase of 50% and 40% on average in organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations respectively, and more than 95% in carbonate carbon (CC) levels was observed for the biomass burning (BB) transport period of August with respect to the previous month of July. Mean 24-h OC/EC ratio was found in the range 3.2–8.5. Single scattering albedo (SSA) was also increased, indicating abundance of light scattering constituents and/or shift of size distributions towards larger particles. Increase in particle size was further supported by a decreasing trend in absorption Angström exponent (AAE). Ion analysis showed major contribution of secondary species (ammonium sulfate and nitrate) and soil components (Ca2+, Mg2+). Non-sea salt K+ exhibited very good correlation with secondary species, indicating the long-range transport of BB smoke as a possible common source. Individual particle analysis of the samples collected during BB-transport event in Athens revealed elevated number of soot externally mixed with fly ash Ca-rich particles. This result is in agreement with the increased OC and CC levels measured, thus pointing towards the main components comprising the aged BB aerosol microstructure.