In Southern California, climate change induced drought is fueling strong winds which are fanning wildfires and spawning what is known as “firenadoes.” Also known as fire whirls these spiraling column shaped vortexes of flames look like something out of an apocalyptic vision.
The key components of firenadoes, are the related elements of drought and strong winds. In the case of the fires in Southern California, Santa Ana winds are funneling warm and dry air toward the coast, when high pressure moves over the deserts of inland California it reverses the typical west-to-east wind flow from the ocean. During a drought, these Santa Ana winds drastically drop humidity levels which cause hurricane force winds in the mountains.
Although firenadoes can occur with any sized fire, they are more commonly associated with large fires. They are created by cool air rushing to take the place of hot air which form vortexes. Firenadoes are more likely to occur where winds are forced to change directions, such as near a grove of trees. Firenadoes range in size from less than 1 foot to more than 500 feet in diameter.
Related Articles
Climate Change Induced Wildfires Burn Out of Control in Southern California
Bushfires, Climate Change and the Insane Policies of Australia’s Federal Government
Australia’s Devastating Fires are Linked to Climate Change
The Rim Fire: More Evidence of Climate Change
Video – How Climate Change Fuels Wildfires
New Report on Extreme Weather in Australia
The President’s Climate Action Plan
Full Transcript of President Obama’s Georgetown Speech
Climate Change and Conflict
The World “Connects the Dots” Between Extreme Weather
Greenbiz: Top Sustainability Trends
SkyTruth’s Top 10 Posts on the Impacts of Industrial Activity
Discover more from Change Oracle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
