Hypothesis
As wildfires become an increasing concern across the globe due to climate change, Canada stands out as one of the countries significantly impacted by these devastating events. Each year, thousands of fires sweep through forests and grasslands, leaving behind environmental damage, threatening communities, and impacting air quality even beyond Canadian borders. As the above map shows, the areas of the United States which see the greatest number of days with smoke conditions is actually not the western states, as one might think, but the central plains & east cost states. This is due to the prevailing wind patterns of the jet stream, which pulls smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada southwards.
To address this, I’m embarking on a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) project that aims to deepen our understanding of wildfires in Canada through spatial analysis and mapping.
Why Focus on Wildfires in Canada?
Canada’s vast forested landscapes, especially in regions like British Columbia, Alberta, and the boreal forests, are highly susceptible to wildfires. Climate change, with its impact on temperature and precipitation patterns, has contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of these fires. Understanding the spatial patterns, causes, and effects of these events is crucial for developing better fire management strategies and for protecting the natural resources that are vital to ecosystems and communities.
Why Use GIS for This Research?
GIS is a powerful tool for analyzing spatial relationships and patterns. In the context of wildfire research, GIS allows us to visualize data in a way that reveals insights about where fires occur, how they spread, and what factors influence their behavior. This spatial perspective is critical when dealing with a phenomenon as dynamic and multifaceted as wildfires. By using GIS, I hope to provide a clearer picture of how different factors intersect to influence fire patterns, offering valuable information for researchers, land managers, and policymakers.
Data Sources and Tools
For this project, I will rely on a range of data sources, including:
- Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS): A key repository of historical wildfire data across Canada.
- Satellite Imagery: Remote sensing data from sources like MODIS and Landsat will be used to monitor burn scars and vegetation health.
- Climate Data: Data on temperature, precipitation, and drought conditions will help understand the climatic factors that influence fire risk.
- Topographic Data: Elevation and slope data will be used to assess how terrain affects fire behavior.
To create maps to help illustrate the main points, this project will utilize the GIS software ArcGIS Pro.
Anticipated Challenges
Working with wildfire data presents several challenges, such as obtaining the right data, managing large datasets, and dealing with data gaps. Additionally, wildfires are influenced by a complex web of factors, making it difficult to isolate the causes and predict future occurrences with certainty. Nonetheless, the insights gained from this project could contribute to better wildfire preparedness and response strategies in the future.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving into data collection, cleaning, and preliminary mapping. As the project progresses, I plan to share updates and insights through this blog, including map visualizations and interesting findings. I hope that this journey into wildfire research not only deepens our understanding of these natural events but also contributes to a safer, more sustainable relationship between humans and nature.