Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	An Instrument for Observing Real-Time Changes in Moisture Content of Forrest Fuels [PDF]
AUTHORS	B.R. McLeod 1976 11 4 355-362
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Abstract A field research tool is described which was design to monitor and record the change in moisture content in-situ forest fuels. The data is obtained by measuring the energy absorbed from a microwave beam passing through the fuel. The first unit has been operated in the field for two summers on a site near an existing weather monitoring station and also in a research area were prescribed fires were being studied. The data obtained by monitoring the upper litter layer show some very rapid moisture changes taking place below the surface of the layer when the weather conditions change. The behaviour of the litter layer and other forest fuels in response to changes in weather conditions is critical in any fire situation and the fuel moisture monitor offer a unique way to directly observe fuel moisture in real time. The availability of real-time fuel moisture data could profoundly affect dire suppression and prescribed dire decisions and operations.