Climate is a strong control on fire regime characteristics across the globe, and climate change will undoubtedly result in fire regime shifts in the U.S. and elsewhere.

In this presentation, Sean Parks, Research Ecologist, will highlight recent research conducted at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute aimed at predicting expected changes to both fire frequency and fire severity in the western U.S. Study results suggest substantial shifts in the distribution of these fire regime characteristics and are consistent with expected climate-induced changes to vegetation type and structure. In energy-limited ecosystems (e.g., high elevation cold forests), researchers predict an increase in fire frequency but a decrease in severity. Conversely, in moisture-limited ecosystems (e.g., shrublands), researchers predict a decrease in fire frequency but an increase in severity. Study findings will aid land managers in preparing for and adapting to climate-induced changes to fire regimes.

No registration necessary. Visit the First Friday All Climate Change Talks (FFACCTs) webpage to connect.