Microclimates definitions Flashcards
Microclimate?
A small scale area with a distinctive climate, usually differing from the climate of the surrounding area
Prevail
A wind from the direction that is predominant at a particular place or season
Humidity
A quantity representing the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere
Leeward side
The direction downwind from a point of reference
Windward side
The direction upwind from a point of reference
Anabatic wind
A warm wind which blows up a steep slope or mountain side
Temperature inversion
An atmospheric layer where the temperature decrease with height is less than normal
Katabatic wind
Downslope wind flowing from high elevations of mountains and hills down their slopes
Evapotranspiration
The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation
Temperature latitudes
Regions of moderate temperature that lies between the tropics and polar regions
Deciduous tree
Trees or shrubs which lose their leaves seasonally
Relative humidity
The amount of water vapour present in the air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation
Albedo
The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface
Hygroscopic particles
Particles which have the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment
Smog
Fog or haze intensified by smoke or other atmospheric pollutants
