Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2009
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Geography
Abstract
The fire return intervals in southern California have changed dramatically since prior to European settlement. Currently only a small portion of what once burned in southern California bums each year. This shift in fire frequency has caused many changes in the local fire regime. Fire return intervals have lengthened greatly since prehistoric settlement. In this study of fire return intervals from 1920 - 2006 it was found that the average area burned each year has increase by 50% since the 1940's and that FRI has decreased steadily. These changes are attributed to nature trying to resume its natural burning regiment and to our culture trying to stand in its way.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Fire ecology -- California
Fire management -- California
Wildfires -- California -- Prevention and control
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
57
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Sarah E., "Changing Fire Return Intervals in Southern California" (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1495.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1495
