A Dynamic Duo: Exploring How Earth's Dust and Fire Cycles Are Interconnected (Invited Presentation)

The changing dynamics of fire in response to human land management practices and climate change is affecting various components of the Earth system, including the dust cycle. It has recently been shown that 1 in 2 large fires are succeeded by dust emission events. The strength and duration of postfire dust emissions can vary significantly depending on the geographical location, meteorology, and revegetation period. Emission estimates are currently highly uncertain, ranging from a flux that is somewhere between <1% to >100% of the mineral dust flux from (semi-)arid regions. Even more uncertain is the impact of postburn dust on the Earth system, in both the present day and a future warmer world with more intense fire activity. This presentation examines the connection between dust and fire cycles and discusses how connecting these two major atmospheric players shapes our understanding of the Earth system The discussion will have a particular focus on marine biogeochemical cycles.