Role of Arctic Oscillation in Triggering Siberian Forest Fires

Scientific Reports, September 24

Rising global temperatures have increased the frequency of unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in Siberia over the past two decades. One mechanism contributing to these negative impacts is the Arctic Oscillation, a belt of strong winds circling the Arctic. These winds influence winter temperature and precipitation patterns over Eurasia, North American, and Siberia. When the Arctic Oscillation is in its “positive phase,” which is occurring more often with global heating, warm air from the mid-latitudes flows north into Siberia and causes earlier spring warming. This leads to earlier snowmelt and reduces the ability of trees to retain water, resulting in exceptionally dry conditions. These two factors – elevated temperatures and reduced water availability – prolong the forest fire season and exacerbate the risk of fire activity sweeping through Siberian forests. Unless mitigation efforts curb global temperature rise, the number of droughts and wildfires across Siberia will continue to increase, jeopardizing local communities and ecosystems.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97911-