Fuel stratum

n. A horizontal layer of a fuel complex.

• Discussion

Six fuel strata are generally recognized: tree, shrub, non-woody vegetation (grass and herbs), woody vegetation, litter/lichen/moss, and ground (duff). Together, these fuel strata comprise a fuel complex. Characteristics associated with each fuel stratum provide inputs to fire behavior, fire effects, and carbon accounting models. For further discussion, see Ottmar and others, in press; Riccardi and others, in press-a; Riccardi and others, in press-b.

• See Also

  • Duff

  • Fire behavior

  • Fire effects

  • Fuelbed

  • Fuel complex

  • Litter

   

• References

  • Ottmar, R.D.; Sandberg, D.V.; Riccardi, C.L.; Prichard, S.J. [In press]. An overview of the Fuel Characteristic Classification System -- quantifying, classifying, and creating fuelbeds for resource planners. Canadian Journal of Forest Research.

  • Riccardi, C.L.; Ottmar, R.D.; Sandberg, D.V.; Andreu, A.G.; Elman, E.; Kopper, K.; Long, J. [In press]. The fuelbed: a key element of the Fuel Characteristic Classification System. Canadian Journal of Forest Research.

  • Riccardi, C.L.; Prichard, S.J.; Sandberg, D.V.; Ottmar, R.D. [In press]. Quantifying physical characteristics of wildland fuels in the Fuel Characteristic Classification System. Canadian Journal of Forest Research.

   

• Notes

  • Author 

    Roger Ottmar, Research Forester

    Pacific Northwest Research Station

     

  • Last update 

    August 2007