SEI at AGU Fall Meeting 2021

Wildfires have increased in frequency and severity worldwide, affecting both hydrological processes and water quality in ways we do not fully understand. The session at AGU21 will explore scientific research and adaptive management strategies that address the linkages between wildfires and water resources.

The AGU Fall Meeting from 13–17 December includes a session led by Jeanne Fernandez and AJ Wickel about a paper on wildfires and water resources, as well as five other papers by SEI authors.

Trees in hazy burning air — Photo: Paco Silva / Pixabay.

A session led by SEI Scientist Jeanne Fernandez and Senior Scientist Bart Wickel at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union on 13 December seeks to review scientific research and adaptive management strategies addressing the linkages between wildfires and water resources.

In recent decades, wildfires have increased in frequency and severity worldwide due to the combined effects of natural fire dynamics, human-induced fires and climate change. These wildfires have resulted in the loss of millions of hectares of vegetation cover and affects both hydrological processes and water quality in ways we do not fully understand.

To discuss how forest and wildfire management could better account for potential changes in regional water balances and the availability of clean water resources, we welcome contributions about:

quantitative studies of the impacts of forest fires and deforestation on catchment scale hydrology and water quality;
management and governance solutions that enhance collaboration between water sector authorities and land managers; and
integrating local and indigenous knowledge into studies of forest and water linkages.

A separate online poster discussion will also be held on 14 December 2021.