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INSPYRE campaign studying firestorm clouds

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2026-08-14 21:35 UTC → 2026-08-15 21:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The INSPYRE scientific campaign, running from July 27 to September 11, 2026, is actively investigating pyrocumulonimbus clouds over the western United States and parts of Canada. Utilizing a NASA ER-2 high-altitude ~~aircraft and~~ aircraft—a modified U-2 spy plane repurposed as a flying laboratory—and an NSF-operated Gulfstream V, researchers are measuring the structure, chemistry, and radiative impact of smoke plumes that can reach the stratosphere. David A. Peterson, a meteorologist at the Naval Research Laboratory and mission principal investigator, described the phenomenon as a “chimney effect” where smoke is pushed upward into a thunderstorm, allowing the fire to essentially feed itself. These storms are difficult to forecast because they form under unpredictable conditions and can produce lightning, high winds, and fire tornadoes. ~~Once smoke reaches high altitudes, it~~ Recent findings indicate these fire-generated systems can reach the stratosphere, similar to volcanic eruptions, allowing smoke to be rapidly transported by jet stream winds. As of mid-August, the mission has already conducted flights over wildfires in northern Oregon and western Canada. The research aims to understand how these “clouds of fire” inject aerosols into the upper atmosphere and their downstream climate and health impacts. Parallel to these efforts, French scientists have been examining whether cloud-seeding could mitigate wildfires in southwestern France. However, researchers concluded that the severe drought and lack of atmospheric humidity make artificial rain unlikely, as seeding requires existing moisture-rich clouds.

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