Research activities
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Site monitoring
Establishing forest vegetation and soil water monitoring sites across Western Australia, for the purpose of calibration and validation of satellite data products relating to live and dead fuel load moisture content. This monitoring will ensure better understanding of bushfire risk, allowing necessary steps to be taken for prevention. These sites will have LoRaWAN connectivity with data stored and shared with academic, industry and community stakeholders. The first site, funded by the Space Science Technology Centre, was established in Q4 2024. The application of the scientific products is conducted in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions. The site monitoring sensors are provided by ICT International who provide ongoing support for the site.
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- DBCA collaborators: Dr Ben Miller, Dr Gavan McGrath, Dr Tim Bleby, Dr Katinka Ruthrof, Dr Jen Hollis
- ICT International collaborators: Ben Umali
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Satellite payload: Pyromantis
Advancing the state and sovereign capacity for bushfire severity planning, risk mitigation, and response through the development of a Western Australian bushfire-focused mission and science satellite payload, Pyromantis. Named for a ‘seer of fire’ and the five eyed animal, Pyromantis is a prototype, multispectral payload carrying 5 cameras. Multispectral imaging works across the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing for light to be split into multiple wavelengths for a more precise understanding. Pyromantis’ cameras have wavelengths specifically chosen for capturing information related to vegetation and soil water content and fuel load dryness. One of the primary objectives is to test the applicability of the data captured for bushfire risk mitigation through a partnership with an end user, the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conversation and Attractions (DBCA). This is the WA Government’s body responsible for prescribed burns and fire management, fire science and behaviour research and fire severity modelling.
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- Curtin Contacts: Dr Robert Howie, Dr Eriita Jones, Dale Giancono, Athena Galbraith
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Explore more
Publication
Check out our publication examining the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration and characteristics in surface waters and drinking water catchments following bushfires and cyclones, highlighting the need for quick and effective responses for drinking water treatment following extreme climate events.
Daraei, H., Bertone, E., Stewart, R. A., Awad, J., Leavesley, A., Gale, M., Jones, E., Cinque, K., Agnew, M., Burger, H. A., & Van Leeuwen, J. (2024). Organic matter concentration and characteristic dynamics in surface waters post-bushfires and cyclones: fDOM sensors for environmental monitoring and control. Environmental Science: Advances. doi:10.1039/d4va00036f.