Wildfires in Los Angeles have been a major concern, but firefighters face a new challenge: limited freshwater supplies. To combat these fires, pilots are using planes called Super Scoopers to skim off seawater and dump it on the flames. While this method may seem like a quick fix, its risks and consequences are more complex.
Using seawater to fight fires has its downsides. Saltwater can corrode equipment and harm ecosystems, particularly chaparral shrublands around Los Angeles that aren’t normally exposed to salt. Gardeners know that small amounts of salt won’t harm plants, but excessive salt can stress and kill them.
Researchers have studied the effects of sea-level rise on coastal ecosystems through an experiment called TEMPEST. By pumping salty water from the Chesapeake Bay into tanks and simulating a surge during storms, they found that coastal forests showed little effect from short-term exposure to salty water. However, after 30 hours of exposure in 2024, the leaves of tulip poplar trees turned brown, indicating stress.
The research suggests that seawater can persist in soil for years, changing its chemistry and structure. This can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems. Furthermore, sea-level rise is increasing coastal exposure, pushing salty water onto dry land and killing trees.
While ocean water can help fight fires, fire officials prefer freshwater sources – provided they are available. As coastlines face more extensive saltwater exposure due to rising global temperatures, the risks for coastal landscapes remain unknown.
In conclusion, using seawater to fight wildfires is a complex issue with both benefits and drawbacks. While it may seem like a quick solution, its long-term consequences on ecosystems need further research and understanding.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/planes-are-dumping-ocean-water-to-fight-the-los-angeles-fires-heres-why-using-saltwater-is-typically-a-last-resort