Urban microclimates Flashcards
Define Urban climate
the climates experienced in urban areas- can be influenced by buildings and urban spaces
Define micro climate
- where there are small-scale variations in temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed and evaporation
- cities create their own climate and weather
Define the Urban heat island effect.
Defines the urban area as a significantly warmer ‘island’ surrounded by a rural ‘sea’ of cooler temperature
Name strategies to decrease the heat island effect.
green roofs and planting trees
Define air pressure.
weight/force of air pressing down on the earths surface
Define anticyclones
clear skies and fine weather
Define depressions
cloud, precipitation, wind
Define condensation
change in state from gas to a liquid
Define convection
the rising of warm air
What are the reasons for the difference of temperatures in cities compared to rural areas?
- building materials
eg. concrete, tarmac ect, absorb large amounts of heat during the day - heat stored and released at night
- the layout of buildings
eg. multi story buildings and those with large windows reflect large amounts of heat downwards - heat from industries, vehicles ect.
- heat from people
- air pollution traps heat
- lack of vegetation and green space
How many heat related deaths in London were there in August 2015?
600
On average how much warmer is cities than rural areas?
9 degrees Celsius
What was the strategies that Chicago use to help lower the urban climate and how does it help?
- Green roof on top of buildings as it lead to air and buildings being cooler (photosynthesis and evaporation leads to heat not being contained) and reduces air conditioner use which is cheaper
- light/ reflective concrete- doesn’t absorb heat
- planted more than 500,000 trees
How hot did Chicago reach in 1995 and how many deaths did it cause?
43 degrees Celsius, over 700
What are the 3 main strategies to reduce the urban heat island effect?
- cool surfaces
- cool pavements
- green roofs
