Randerson study on fire severity

A new study led by AirUCI faculty Jim Randerson and his team has found that the severity of California’s wildfires has rapidly increased over the last several decades as a result of human-driven climate change, resulting in accelerated tree losses during more intense wildfires. “When fire moves over a forest’s floor, often the tree canopy will survive and, in some situations, thrive from fire effects on nutrient cycling,” said Jim. “The new research suggests more fire is jumping into the tree crowns, causing more damage and tree mortality.”  Read the article