Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Environmental Studies
First Advisor's Name
Jeffrey Onsted
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Assefa Melesse
Third Advisor's Name
Keqi Zhang
Keywords
FARSITE, Geographic Information Systems, Wildfire, Chihuahua Desert, Huygen's Principle, Fire Simulator
Date of Defense
7-2-2013
Abstract
The Chihuahua desert is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, but suffers serious degradation because of changes in fire regimes resulting in large catastrophic fires. My study was conducted in the Sierra La Mojonera (SLM) natural protected area in Mexico. The purpose of this study was to implement the use of FARSITE fire modeling as a fire management tool to develop an integrated fire management plan at SLM.
Firebreaks proved to detain 100% of wildfire outbreaks. The rosetophilous scrub experienced the fastest rate of fire spread and lowland creosote bush scrub experienced the slowest rate of fire spread. March experienced the fastest rate of fire spread, while September experienced the slowest rate of fire spread. The results of my study provide a tool for wildfire management through the use geospatial technologies and, in particular, FARSITE fire modeling in SLM and Mexico.
Identifier
FI13080714
Recommended Citation
Brakeall, John, "Wildfire Assessment Using FARSITE Fire Modeling: A Case Study in the Chihuahua Desert of Mexico" (2013). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 923.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/923
Included in
Databases and Information Systems Commons, Forest Management Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Theory and Algorithms Commons
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