"...during 1997 and 1998 smouldering peat beneath the Borneo forests released between 0.8 and 2.6 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. That is equivalent to 13 to 40 per cent of all emissions from burning fossil fuels, and contributed to the carbon dioxide peak in 1998"
New Scientist
This article in the new scientist was written based on information gained through investigation by Jack Reiley, director of the project on tropical peat swamp forest. The fires are having major implications on the air quality, economy and environment in the southern region of Borneo but also on a global scale. An indication of this is the graphic at the top of the page showing smoke and pollution levels as a result of the fires in Borneo.
This page aims to introduce our investigations into the ignition and burning characteristics of peat and the composition of the gases released. This will give us a deeper understanding of the smouldering combustion properties of peat. This will aid in the prevention and extinguishing of these fires in the future.
