WHAT:
James T. Randerson, associate professor of Earth system science, will talk on the "Burning of the Biosphere: Fire and Its Role in the Earth System," as part of the 2005-06 Discover the Physical Sciences Breakfast Lecture Series at UC Irvine.

WHEN:
7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 (Continental breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., lecture at 8 a.m.)

WHERE:
University Club, on the UCI campus. Map: www.uci.edu/campusmap

COST:
Free

INFO and R.S.V.P:
(949) 824-4613

BACKGROUND:
Fires influence the atmosphere through a variety of mechanisms including emissions of greenhouse gases, aerosols and changes in ecosystem processes. Although humans have been using fire for many thousands of years, its use has accelerated in recent decades as humans search for efficient ways to clear forests in both tropical and boreal regions. New NASA satellite observations allow for the monitoring of fire activity around the globe. Randerson will discuss how satellites detect fire, links between climate and fire at local and global scales, and the future role of humans in the Earth system.

James T. Randerson, associate professor of Earth system science, uses atmospheric trace gas observations, satellite data and models to study the global biosphere and has conducted field work in Alaska and Siberia. Previously, he was an assistant professor of environmental science and engineering at Caltech. In 2005, Randerson was awarded the American Geophysical Union's James B. Macelwane Medal, which recognizes "significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding young scientist."