Forest fires are exceedingly complex phenomena. They possess complex chemistry, exhibit nonlinear behaviour, and their associated radiation and combustion properties are not well understood. The mechanisms by which they spread are also not well-understood, but have to do with the advection of hot gases and lofting of burning material. A better understanding of wildfires could lead to an ability to predict, manage, and train for such disasters. Scientists at NCAR have coupled numerical regional weather simulations with fire spread models to advance our understanding of wildfires, creating the visualization, above.

This simulation prescribed dry eucalyptus as fuel, and a 200 meter hill. Upslope winds drive the fire spread. This research was conducted under sponsorship of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.

More Wildfire modeling animations and information are available at NCAR's Vislab website.