How Have Past Fires Affected Vegetation and Soil

How Have Past Fires Affected Today’s Vegetation and Soil Quality in Mediterranean Climates?

Presenter: Abigail Harr

Co-Presenter(s):
Kimberly Mercado, Hannah Osowski, Danielle Rico Romero

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Department: Geology

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MUXLseUCxwox7w_cNxp3BHghoJz3g92H

Abstract:
-Science 120 - A Watershed Year Award-

Throughout mediterranean climates, fires have effects on vegetation regrowth and soil quality. Recovery of vegetation after fires depends on the levels of burn severity, fires effect on soil and post-fire drought. Across California, climate change, drought stress, and forest management practices have caused increases in fire severity, however the characteristics of regrowth from more severe burns isn’t fully grasped. We conducted a case study of existing literature to determine the effects of fire on vegetation regrowth in mediterranean climates across the globe. We found fires appear to have many effects on vegetation regrowth and soil quality. Studies show negative impacts to the soils thermal variability, but others show positive impacts with increased diversity of regrowth for future seasons. The results give us an understanding of how long vegetation takes to regrow post-fire and how this affects soil quality. This helps us to see the resilience in mediterranean climates post-fire.