Published in ERW, 30 Jul 2015
Scientists in the US and Indonesia have demonstrated that infrared satellite data can be used to distinguish between flaming and smouldering peat fires. The method could help to improve atmospheric pollution models, as the two phases differ greatly in their emission of particulates.
There are two ways biomass can burn: it can flame, or it can smoulder. Flaming biomass is a more efficient way of burning, and happens at a fairly high temperature. Smouldering is less efficient, and worse for the environment since it emits typically three times as much smoke – that is, particulate matter – for every kilo of biomass. For that reason, scientists are keen to understand when biomass can be expected to smoulder rather than burn. […]
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