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The cardinal direction a slope faces is called its aspect. South- and west-facing slopes are normally exposed to sun for longer periods. They are warmer and drier, with lower humidities and stronger winds. Fires tend to burn faster and with greater intensity and spread on southern aspects. North- and east-facing slopes are damper and cooler. This reduces fire intensity.

A diagram showing the effect of aspect on temperature and fuel moisture.

Courtesy of NWCG, S290


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