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Fires in Nature (AQA A Level Geography)
Topic Questions
[20]
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[1]
In higher income countries, insurance is available. Whilst this can be very costly, it does mean that any damage done during the event can be quickly rectified.
Replanting trees in fire-affected areas can quickly return the area to its original condition, thus preventing the spread of fire in any future event.
Education and warning systems can provide invaluable information to people in fire prone areas. Lookouts and regular patrols can help with early evacuation.
Use of retardants combined with controlled burning can contain a wildfire, provided this is well planned and co-ordinated in advance of the event.
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Figure 10 shows a wildfire on Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, UK on 27 June 2018.
Figure 10
Note: Saddleworth Moor is an upland area north east of Manchester. The soils are composed of peat. In June 2018, there was a heatwave which was accompanied by virtually no rain and a dry wind for several weeks. Around 150 soldiers and firefighters were called in to tackle the blaze. The blaze lasted for weeks and may have been started deliberately.
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Which is the most significant natural factor leading to the spread of a wildfire?
[1]
Unplanned human activities in natural locations. These activities, such as smoking or campfires, often combine with the dropping of materials which are combustible.
Lightning strikes, particularly in areas of dense population that have very dry conditions in summer months. California is one such state in the USA.
Controlled burning by farmers undertaken to remove scrub land which may have been left fallow. This removes large areas of vegetation and allows for the planting of crops.
Prolonged periods of drought and high rates of evapotranspiration, especially in the summer months in sub-tropical climates. A strong dry wind increases the risk.
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