
Fire cycle
The fire cycle describes the natural process of how forests and grasslands burn and recover over time. It involves stages where vegetation accumulates as fuel, then ignites due to natural causes like lightning or human activity. The fire consumes the fuel, reducing dense vegetation, which allows new plants to grow during the recovery phase. This cycle helps maintain ecosystem health by controlling pests, recycling nutrients, and promoting biodiversity. Fire regimes vary based on climate, vegetation type, and human influence, shaping the landscape's fire frequency and intensity, vital for the balance of many ecosystems.