Urban Climate Flashcards
Albedo
The reflectivity of a surface
The ratio of incoming insulation and amount reflected back into atmosphere
Microclimate
Small scale variations in :
Precipitation, humidity, wind and evaporation
Particulate air pollution
Release of particles and noxious gases into the atmosphere, largely caused by combustion of fossil fuels
Photochemical pollution
Exhaust fumes are trapped by temp inversions and in the presnce of UV forms a low level ozone
Urban heat island
The zone around and above an urban area which has higher temp than surrounding rural areas
3 ways the urban heat island develops
Wasted heat from urban activities
Urban materials
Lack of evapotranspiration
3 ways of reducing urban heat island
Electric cars
Green roofs and more vegetation
Lighter materials for buildings
Rainfall in urban areas
Increased compared to in rural areas
Why is there more intense rainfall in urban areas
Atmospheric instability
Altering wind patterns
Aerosols and particulates
Explain atmospheric instability of urban areas
Warm moist are rises then cools and condenses
How do altering wind patterns increase precipitation in urban areas
Airflow obstructed by tall buildings which reduces ability for moist air to disperse
How do particulates increase precipitation in urban areas
Particles in atmosphere cause water vapour to condense and form clouds
General wind patterns in urban area
Slower
Turbulence from frictional drag
Deflected air like vortex’s
What is worsening air quality in urban areas
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Particulate matter
Photochemical smog
Sulphur dioxide
What encourages fog in urban areas
Condensation nuclei
