Foliar moisture content of Pacific Northwest vegetation and its relation to wildland fire behavior.

James K. Agee; Clinton S. Wright; Nathan Williamson; Mark H. Huff

Foliar moisture content of Pacific Northwest vegetation and its relation to wildland fire behavior.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

James K. Agee, Clinton S. Wright, Nathan Williamson, Mark H. Huff

Year:

2002

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management. 167: 57-66

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Abstract

Fotiar moisture was monitored for five conifers and associated understory vegetation in Pacific Northwest forests. Decline in foliar moisture of new foliage occurred over the dry season, while less variation was evident in older foliage. Late season foliar moisture ranged from 130 to 170%. In riparian-upland comparisons, largest differences were found for understory vegetation, with less variation evident for overstory trees. Minimum foliar moisture values of 100-120% are appropriate to use in crown fire risk assessment for the Pacific Northwest.

Keywords

Foliar moisture, Pacific northwest, Wildland fire behavior, Crown fire

Citation

Agee, James K.; Wright, Clinton S.; Williamson, Nathan; Huff, Mark H. 2002. Foliar moisture content of Pacific Northwest vegetation and its relation to wildland fire behavior. Forest Ecology and Management. 167: 57-66