Understanding Fire Tornadoes and Wildfires

What is a fire tornado, and why are they becoming more common?

• A tornado that forms in urban areas, increasing due to pollution.

• A tornado that forms in deserts, becoming more common due to sandstorms.

• A tornado that forms over water, increasing in frequency due to ocean warming.

• A tornado that occurs in a fire area, possibly due to climate change.

What are the two main ingredients needed to form a fire tornado?

• Heavy rainfall and lightning.

• Vorticity and a way to stretch the rotating air.

• High humidity and low wind speed.

• Cold air and high pressure.

How does the conservation of angular momentum relate to fire tornadoes?

• It explains how the diameter of rotating air shrinks, increasing spin speed.

• It describes how fire tornadoes dissipate quickly.

• It shows how fire tornadoes form only in cold climates.

• It explains why fire tornadoes are always stationary.

What role does weather play in the severity of wildfires?

• Weather has no impact on wildfires.

• Weather is crucial, with wind and dryness being significant factors.

• Rainfall is the only weather factor that influences wildfires.

• Only temperature affects wildfire severity.

What is the main reason fire tornadoes are dangerous?

• They deliver oxygen efficiently, allowing fuel to burn faster.

• They are harmless and dissipate quickly.

• They are always accompanied by heavy rain.

• They only occur in remote areas, making them hard to study.

What is the relationship between fire and weather?

• Weather is irrelevant to fire behavior.

• Fires can create their own weather, and weather influences fire severity.

• Weather has no impact on fires.

• Fires only occur in specific weather conditions.

What surprising finding did Dr. Lisa Ellsworth's research reveal about burned forests?

• Burned forests immediately regrow to their original state.

• Burned forests become completely barren and lifeless.

• Burned forests release all their carbon into the atmosphere.

• Burned forests continue to store most of their carbon.

How much carbon do wildfires typically release from a forest?

• About 50% of the stored carbon.

• Nearly 100% of the stored carbon.

• Approximately 75% of the stored carbon.

• Around 20% or less of the stored carbon.

What is a simple and effective way to filter smoke in your house during a wildfire?

• Open all windows to let the smoke out.

• Use a humidifier to clear the air.

• Place wet towels under doors.

• Attach an HVAC filter to a box fan.

What should you do before a wildfire to ensure you have necessary supplies?

• Stock up on items you might need, like respirator masks and filters.

• Ignore the risk and continue with daily activities.

• Wait until the fire is close to buy supplies.

• Rely on emergency services to provide everything.