Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes
Understanding the characteristics of wildfires in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is crucial for improving the monitoring of local wildfire danger. Our investigation first establishes the spatial distributions of fire weather index (FWI) distributions and satellite-observed wildfire occurrenc...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | Maowei Wu Chengpeng Zhang Meijiao Li Wupeng Du Jianming Chen Caishan Zhao |
| author_facet | Maowei Wu Chengpeng Zhang Meijiao Li Wupeng Du Jianming Chen Caishan Zhao |
| author_sort | Maowei Wu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Understanding the characteristics of wildfires in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is crucial for improving the monitoring of local wildfire danger. Our investigation first establishes the spatial distributions of fire weather index (FWI) distributions and satellite-observed wildfire occurrences. The FWI provides a reasonably accurate representation of wildfire danger in the BTH region. Through Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) clustering analysis, we identify nine distinct spatial patterns in FWI composites. Notably, the annual frequency of SOM modes 2 and 7 has shown a significant increasing trend over the past 40 years. The spatial distribution of the highest FWI values in these two modes is in the southern and central BTH regions, respectively. Subsequently, we examine the relationship between FWI variations and atmospheric circulation patterns. A synoptic analysis indicates that the increased fuel availability index observed in SOM modes 2 and 7 can be primarily attributed to two key factors. One is a post-trough system, which is marked by a decrease in water vapor transport. The other is a high-pressure system, which is associated with higher temperatures and drought conditions. Finally, the relative contributions of the fuel available index and the wildfire spread rate index to the FWI are quantified using a partial differential approach. The variations in the fuel available index are the primary drivers of the high FWI values in these two SOM patterns. This study underscores the importance of analyzing the synergistic effects of multiple atmospheric circulation patterns on the fuel availability index, which is critical for improving wildfire danger prediction at different timescales in the BTH region. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ed4784fa452c413ebf17c161a3b95e8c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2073-4433 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-ed4784fa452c413ebf17c161a3b95e8c2025-08-20T03:14:23ZengMDPI AGAtmosphere2073-44332025-03-0116440310.3390/atmos16040403Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential CausesMaowei Wu0Chengpeng Zhang1Meijiao Li2Wupeng Du3Jianming Chen4Caishan Zhao5Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaLand Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100035, ChinaCollege of Resources and Environment, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan 030006, ChinaBeijing Municipal Climate Center, Beijing Meteorological Service, Beijing 100089, ChinaKey Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaBeijing No.2 Middle School, Beijing 100010, ChinaUnderstanding the characteristics of wildfires in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is crucial for improving the monitoring of local wildfire danger. Our investigation first establishes the spatial distributions of fire weather index (FWI) distributions and satellite-observed wildfire occurrences. The FWI provides a reasonably accurate representation of wildfire danger in the BTH region. Through Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) clustering analysis, we identify nine distinct spatial patterns in FWI composites. Notably, the annual frequency of SOM modes 2 and 7 has shown a significant increasing trend over the past 40 years. The spatial distribution of the highest FWI values in these two modes is in the southern and central BTH regions, respectively. Subsequently, we examine the relationship between FWI variations and atmospheric circulation patterns. A synoptic analysis indicates that the increased fuel availability index observed in SOM modes 2 and 7 can be primarily attributed to two key factors. One is a post-trough system, which is marked by a decrease in water vapor transport. The other is a high-pressure system, which is associated with higher temperatures and drought conditions. Finally, the relative contributions of the fuel available index and the wildfire spread rate index to the FWI are quantified using a partial differential approach. The variations in the fuel available index are the primary drivers of the high FWI values in these two SOM patterns. This study underscores the importance of analyzing the synergistic effects of multiple atmospheric circulation patterns on the fuel availability index, which is critical for improving wildfire danger prediction at different timescales in the BTH region.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/4/403FWISOM modesatmospheric circulationBeijing–Tianjin–Hebei region |
| spellingShingle | Maowei Wu Chengpeng Zhang Meijiao Li Wupeng Du Jianming Chen Caishan Zhao Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes Atmosphere FWI SOM modes atmospheric circulation Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region |
| title | Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes |
| title_full | Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes |
| title_fullStr | Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes |
| title_short | Self-Organizing Map-Based Classification for Fire Weather Index in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region and Their Potential Causes |
| title_sort | self organizing map based classification for fire weather index in the beijing tianjin hebei region and their potential causes |
| topic | FWI SOM modes atmospheric circulation Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/4/403 |
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