The Fire and Smoke Model Evaluation Experiment-A Plan for Integrated, Large Fire-Atmosphere Field Campaigns.

Area of Science:

• Wildland fire science
• Atmospheric chemistry
• Environmental modeling

Background:

• Sophistication of wildland fire, smoke dispersion, and atmospheric chemistry models requires comprehensive evaluation datasets.
• Next-generation operational models need coordinated and extensive data for validation and advancement.
• Existing datasets are insufficient for the complex needs of modern fire and smoke modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Fire and Smoke Model Evaluation Experiment (FASMEE) design.
• To outline a plan for collecting integrated observations from large wildland fires.
• To provide essential evaluation datasets for advancing fire and smoke models and operational systems.

Main Methods:

• Designing a campaign with a detailed study plan for integrated measurements.
• Collecting ground-based observations of fuels and fire behavior.
• Estimating fire-emitted heat and emissions fluxes.
• Observing near-source micrometeorology, plume properties, smoke dispersion, and atmospheric chemistry.

Main Results:

• The FASMEE campaign design provides a template for future large-scale experimental campaigns.
• Recommendations for key measurements critical for model evaluation are provided.
• The experiment aims to generate comprehensive datasets for validating and improving fire and smoke models.

Conclusions:

• FASMEE is essential for advancing fire science and improving the accuracy of operational fire and smoke models.
• The experimental design serves as a model for future research initiatives in wildland fire studies.
• Integrated, comprehensive datasets are crucial for the continued development and validation of sophisticated environmental models.