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Fire in the Earth System
D. M. J. S. Bowman ,
J. K. Balch ,
P. Artaxo ,
W. J. Bond ,
J. M. Carlson ,
M. A. Cochrane ,
C. M. D'Antonio ,
R. S. DeFries ,
J. C. Doyle ,
S. P. Harrison ,
F. H. Johnston ,
J. E. Keeley ,
M. A. Krawchuk ,
C. A. Kull ,
J. B. Marston ,
M. A. Moritz ,
I. C. Prentice ,
C. I. Roos ,
A. C. Scott ,
T. W. Swetnam ,
G. R. van der Werf ,
S. J. Pyne
April 24 2009
April 24 2009
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Abstract
Fire is a worldwide phenomenon that appears in the geological record soon after the
appearance of terrestrial plants. Fire influences global ecosystem patterns and processes,
including vegetation distribution and structure, the carbon cycle, and climate. Although
humans and fire have always coexisted, our capacity to manage fire remains imperfect
and may become more difficult in the future as climate change alters fire regimes.
This risk is difficult to assess, however, because fires are still poorly represented
in global models. Here, we discuss some of the most important issues involved in developing
a better understanding of the role of fire in the Earth system.