14 Reasons Why Underground “Zombie Fires” Keep Burning And Burning
Zombie fires, or overwintering fires, are a unique phenomenon in which fires smolder underground during winter and re-emerge in the spring. These fires are particularly common in Arctic regions. They can pose a big challenge to fire management. The persistence of zombie fires is influenced by several environmental factors that can be easily altered by changes. Here are 12 reasons why these fires keep on burning.
Insulating Snow Cover
Snow acts as an insulator, trapping heat in the ground. This insulation allows fires to continue smoldering underground throughout the winter.
Peatland Composition
Peatlands, rich in organic material, provide ample fuel for fires. The high carbon content in peat allows fires to burn slowly and persistently.
Microbial Heat Generation
Recent research found that microbes can produce enough heat for peat to smolder at around 80°C (176°F) during winters. This can occur without any above-ground fire or high external temperatures, leading to what we call a “hot metastable state” lasting up to ten years.
Pattern Triggers
Another finding in the recent study is that certain climate patterns, like heatwaves and temperature changes, can trigger the transition from a regular cold state to the hot metastable state. Interestingly, it’s not just the temperature increase but the speed of this increase that matters.
Real-World Implications
Though this phenomenon is currently only observed in models, similar behavior is seen in compost fires. This might mean the rate of atmospheric warming, rather than the temperature itself, is key to initiating zombie fires.
Thawing Permafrost
Thawing permafrost exposes more organic material to the fire. This additional fuel sustains smoldering fires through the winter months.
Drier Conditions
Drier conditions have been observed in the Arctic. These dry conditions make organic material more flammable, increasing the likelihood of zombie fires.
Increased Lightning Strikes
More extreme weather can mean more lightning strikes. These strikes can ignite fires that smolder underground and re-emerge in spring.
Human Activity
Human activities such as oil and gas exploration disturb the ground. This disturbance can expose flammable materials and create conditions for fires to persist.
Inadequate Fire Management
Remote Arctic regions often lack sufficient firefighting resources. Limited access and resources make it challenging to fully extinguish fires.
Fire-Resilient Ecosystems
Some Arctic ecosystems are adapted to fire. Certain plant species can survive fires, providing a continuous cycle of fuel.
Deep Burning
Fires can burn deeply into the organic layers. These deep-seated fires are harder to detect and extinguish, allowing them to smolder for months.
Subsurface Oxygen Supply
Oxygen can seep into the ground, sustaining the fire. This continuous oxygen supply allows fires to smolder even in cold conditions.
Climate Feedback Loops
Zombie fires can release carbon dioxide. This, in turn, can lead to warmer temperatures, creating a feedback loop that promotes more fires.
75 Alaskan Streams Recently Turned Orange Due To Toxic Chemicals
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