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Earth Science: Biomass Combustion Research in Ecosystem Process
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RO#
17516 |
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Location
Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 |
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Advisor Information
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Brass, James
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650-604-5332
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jbrass@mail.arc.nasa.gov
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Research Area
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Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
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Keywords
Atmospheric chemistry; Biogeochemical cycles; Climatology; Environmental models; Vegetation; Biomass; Combustion chemistry; Fires and fire safety; |
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Description
Research into the effects of biomass combustion on biogeochemical
cycling based on the interaction of fire variables, biological
factors, and nutrient cycling is being conducted. This research
integrates in situ field measurements, nutrient-cycling
theory, remote-sensing techniques, and predictive modeling to test
three hypotheses. (1) Fire periodicity and intensity play major
roles, along with vegetation and climate, in determining nutrient
movement that is due to biomass combustion. (2) Fire behavior is
predictable given vegetation, climate, and topography. (3) Fire
detection, intensity, and post-fire characteristics can be measured
remotely. The remotely sensed data can then be input to models
predicting the effects of biomass combustion on nutrient cycling and
atmospheric chemistry.
This research will (1) provide development and documentation of
the interaction among biological factors, fire characteristics, and
nutrient movement within an ecosystem; (2) provide an assessment of
current remote-sensing tools for monitoring and quantifying nutrient
movement that is due to biomass combustion; and (3) identify and
develop new remote-sensing systems and techniques specifically aimed
at monitoring fire and burning events.
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