WILDFIRE: LATEST LEARNINGS- v01.6

WILDFIRE: LATEST LEARNINGS

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General learning outcome:

SPECIFIC HIGH COUNTRY WEATHER:

Specific learning outcome:

Subsidence inversions and nocturnal low-level jets can invert the diurnal weather cycle.

Topic:

The formation of a low-level jet and its potential impact on surface fire weather.

Operational Awareness for Advanced Firefighters & Fire Behaviour Analysts


An inversion often forms at the lifting condensation level. Without friction from the ground, winds blowing above the inversion may be much stronger than those below it. The band of higher winds is termed a jet, and these occur at lower levels than most.
If the lifted inversion is at about the maximum terrain height, high points on the terrain may protrude through the inversion, and experience stronger winds.
Operations staff in the field must be wary of this when working at night, as it may be difficult to detect a low-level jet unless you deliberately look for it.
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This website is dedicated to bringing forward the latest research findings. They are provided to allow firefighters to be made aware of critical safety issues ahead of the material being included in the national training curriculum.
Material prepared by Rick McRae for AFAC Research Dissemination Pilot Study, March 2012.