The space–time cube as an approach to quantifying future wildfires in California
Diana Moanga A C , Gregory Biging A , John Radke B and Van Butsic A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Mulford Hall, MC 3114 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
B Department of City and Regional Planning, and Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, University of California Berkeley, Wurster Hall, MC 3114 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
C Corresponding author. Email: dianamng@berkeley.edu
International Journal of Wildland Fire - https://doi.org/10.1071/WF19062
Submitted: 16 April 2019 Accepted: 13 October 2020 Published online: 13 November 2020
Abstract
Throughout history California has been subjected to large catastrophic wildfires and the trend seems to be accelerating in recent years. We analysed and mapped the spatial–temporal patterns of predicted wildfire occurrence across California from 2000 until the end of the century. We identified areas that are extremely vulnerable to wildfires and analysed the threat to the wildland–urban interface and across California’s ecosystems. Mapping statewide projections of wildfire occurrence through space and time, and identifying different types of wildfire hot spots, is essential in identifying locations that will be increasingly threatened in the near and distant future. This newfound knowledge enhances our ability to conceptualise wildfire risk and make informed decisions.
Keywords: ecosystems, fire management, fire modelling, fire simulation modelling, GIS, space–time cube, wildland–urban interface.
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