Carleton University
Understanding the response function of Lband passive microwave to peatland conditions – application to drought and
wildfire occurrence and prediction — Canada's boreal forest is forecast to experience changes in precipitation, evaporation, and temperature due to climate change. This will lead to changes in the frequency and intensity of drought and wildfire. Large-area peatland soil moisture monitoring is required to improve our understanding of the carbon cycle, predict the locations of drought-driven wildfires in the boreal forest, and provide better estimates to air quality forecasts. Through the analysis of space-based data, this research will enhance our understanding of the physical processes of drought and wildfire in the boreal forest, and lead to an ability to predict the risk of wildfire.