Base Knowledge
Basic knowledge of biology and English (to consult the available literature).
Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical-practical classes in the classroom, including the use of the BehavePlus fire simulator.
Learning Results
Know forest fuels and the principles of fire behavior as well as its effects. Students should acquire skills:
– in the evaluation of fuel models;
– in the simple simulation of fire behavior;
– in assessing the effects of fire.
Program
Fire behavior
Introduction: ignition, combustion, heat transfer processes
Description of fire behavior
Fuels, meteorology, topography
Decision support tools – the Behave system
Fire impacts
First and second order fire effects; concept of severity versus fire intensity
Effects of fire on vegetation, soil, air and water
Recovery and growth of vegetation in the post-fire
Estimation of fuel load and moisture
Fire behavior characteristics in fuel reduction and effects on trees
Interpretation of the Fire Weather Index.
Curricular Unit Teachers
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Cruz, M.G.. 2004. Guia fotográfico para a identificação de combustíveis florestais – Região Centro de Portugal, Modelos de combustível, ADAI, Coimbra.
Fernandes P.; Botelho, H.; Loureiro, C.. 2002. Manual de Formação Para a técnica do Fogo Controlado, UTAD, Vila Real, 139 pp .
Silva J.S.; Páscoa F. (ed.s). 2002. Manual de Silvicultura para a Prevenção de Incêndios. DGF, Lisboa.