urban heat island- chicago

Question 1

describe the temperatures, population and rainfall of Chicago- case study

Answer 1

population of 2.7 million, in July and august it can reach 35-38 degrees celsius and in January it can drop to below -18 degrees, it receives an average rainfall of 80.5cm per year

Question 2

what are the temperature differences on a sunny day and winter night- case study

Answer 2

great as 3 degrees on a sunny day and 6 degrees on a winter night

Question 3

give 3 reasons for these temperature differences- case study

Answer 3

building materials have a lower specific heat capacity than grass so concrete heats up more quickly in the day which warms the air around it, rural areas have more wet surfaces and evaporation provides cooling, buildings are heated which generate heat outside, buildings act as a barrier to winds making the city warmer, buildings with dark surfaces have a lower albedo which reflect less solar radiation and absorb more so become hotter

Question 4

why is Chicago less humid than surrounding rural areas- case study

Answer 4

higher temperatures lower relative humidity, precipitation is quickly removed from surfaces into drains which reduces humidity, vegetation in rural areas emits water vapor through the process of transpiration