Extensive fires in southeastern Siberian permafrost linked to preceding Arctic Oscillation

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

88 Scopus Citations
View graph of relations

Author(s)

  • Jin-Soo Kim
  • Jong-Seong Kug
  • Su-Jong Jeong
  • Hotaek Park
  • Gabriela Schaepman-Strub

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article numbereaax3308
Journal / PublicationScience Advances
Volume6
Issue number2
Online published8 Jan 2020
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

Link(s)

Abstract

Carbon release through boreal fires could considerably accelerate Arctic warming; however, boreal fire occurrence mechanisms and dynamics remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze fire activity and relevant large-scale atmospheric conditions over southeastern Siberia, which has the largest burned area fraction in the circumboreal and high-level carbon emissions due to high-density peatlands. It is found that the annual burned area increased when a positive Arctic Oscillation (AO) takes place in early months of the year, despite peak fire season occurring 1 to 2 months later. A local high-pressure system linked to the AO drives a high-temperature anomaly in late winter, causing premature snowmelt. This causes earlier ground surface exposure and drier ground in spring due to enhanced evaporation, promoting fire spreading. Recently, southeastern Siberia has experienced warming and snow retreat; therefore, southeastern Siberia requires appropriate fire management strategies to prevent massive carbon release and accelerated global warming.

Research Area(s)

Citation Format(s)

Extensive fires in southeastern Siberian permafrost linked to preceding Arctic Oscillation. / Kim, Jin-Soo; Kug, Jong-Seong; Jeong, Su-Jong et al.
In: Science Advances, Vol. 6, No. 2, eaax3308, 10.01.2020.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Download Statistics

No data available