Unit 4 - Climate - Human Impact

Question 1

What is a microclimate?

Answer 1

A microclimate is defined as the climate of a very small or restricted area, especially when this differs from the climate of the surrounding area.

Question 2

Describe the general trend in temperature in urban areas.

Answer 2

• Urban areas can have slightly warmer temperatures due to heat release from buildings, vehicles, and people.
• Wind speeds are generally lower due to building friction, but some areas have higher speeds due to street channeling.

Question 3

Describe the general trend of precipitation in urban areas.

Answer 3

• More rainy days in cities due to dust acting as condensation nuclei.
• Less snow due to higher temperatures.
• Relative humidity in urban areas is generally less due to less water bodies and vegetation.
• Warmer air can hold more moisture.

Question 4

Describe the general trend of air pollution in urban areas.

Answer 4

• Particulate pollution, caused by cars, reduces solar radiation and increases condensation nuclei, leading to less sunshine and more rainfall.
• Acid rain, caused by rain mixing with gases, increases chemical weathering on structures and impacts human health.
• Photochemical smog, formed when sunlight, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides mix, causes long-term respiratory damage and premature deaths.

Question 5

What can be done to manage the damage to the environment in urban areas?

Answer 5

Installing catalytic converters in cars.
Switch to more fuel-efficient cars.
Use of ‘scrubbers’ to decrease emissions from power stations and industrial plants.
Encourage greener energy sources.
Legislation such as the Clean Air Act.
Congestion charges.
Tree planting.
Encourage use of public transport.
‘Perks’ to change energy use.