Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 18

What is the basis for the urban heat island concept? Describe the climatic effects attributable to urban as compared with nonurban environments.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Urban Heat Island effect forms the basis for urban heat islands, a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than their rural counterparts. This is primarily due to the extensive use of heat-absorbent materials like concrete and asphalt in cities, in addition to energy consumption and lack of vegetation leading to reduced evaporative cooling. As a result, urban environments experience higher temperatures, worse air quality, more potential for heat-related health issues, and less wind. In contrast, non-urban environments exhibit cooler temperatures, better air quality, and increased wind flow.

Step by step solution

01

Define the Concept of Urban Heat Island

The Urban Heat Island effect is a phenomenon where urban or metropolitan areas experience considerably higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. The main factors laying the basis for this concept include heat absorption by concrete and asphalt, energy consumption in cities, and lessened evaporative cooling due to lack of vegetation.
02

Identify Climatic Effects in Urban Environments

In urban areas, climatic effects of the Urban Heat Island include increased temperatures, leading to increased energy usage for air conditioning, worsening of air quality due to reactions at high temperatures, and increased heat-related illness and mortality. Additionally, cities often experience less wind, due to interference from buildings and infrastructure.
03

Identify Climatic Effects in Non-Urban Environments

Non-urban environments, by contrast, do not have high concentrations of heat-retaining buildings and surfaces. They typically have more vegetation, which provides evaporative cooling. Consequently, non-urban areas tend to have cooler temperatures, better air quality, and more wind flow compared to urban areas.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What role do clouds play in the Earth-atmosphere radiation balance? Is cloud type important? Compare high, thin cirrus clouds and lower, thick stratus clouds.

What are the similarities and differences between an actuz greenhouse and the gaseous atmospheric greenhouse? Why is Earth's greenhouse effect changing?

What are the expenditure pathways for surface net radiation? What kind of work is accomplished?

What is the role played by latent heat in surface energy budgets?

In what way does the presence of sulfate aerosols affect solar radiation received at ground level? How does it affect cloud formation?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Sustainable Urban Development

Read Explanation

Regenerating Places

Read Explanation

Diverse Places

Read Explanation

Coasts Geography

Read Explanation

Glaciated Landscapes

Read Explanation

Migration and Identity

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free