Study Reveals Underground Carbon as Major Source of Canadian Wildfire Smoke Affecting U.S. Cities
A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters highlights that a significant portion of smoke from Canadian wildfires originates from underground carbon stores rather than surface vegetation. The research, led by Alemu Gonsamo from McMaster University, indicates that about three-quarters of emissions from these wildfires come from carbon stored in the soil. This finding is based on data from Canada's record fire season in 2023, which saw extensive fires across the country, including in Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The study emphasizes that the smoke affecting U.S. cities like New York and Washington is largely due to these underground emissions, challenging the perception that forestry management practices are to blame. 
