This National Science Foundation (NSF) Project Grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) provides $317,959 in funding to Florida State University (FSU) for a 3-year research project from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2027. The project aims to gain predictive understanding of the physical processes driving rapid wildfire spread and associated smoke transport within the atmospheric boundary layer. Through non-modal instability analysis and large-eddy simulations, the research team will investigate the mechanisms behind the rapid growth of billow-like turbulent flows in fire smoke plumes, which can lead to fire spotting and elevated smoke concentrations near the ground. The findings from this work will help guide firefighters to more safely and effectively suppress wildfires, while also informing the use of prescribed fire to manage ecosystems. The project will also engage with national training centers and local/regional agencies to disseminate the research through workshops and site visits. Additionally, the grant will support the training of two PhD students and one postdoc in atmospheric dynamics, modeling, and data science.
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