Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where the temperature at the center of a city is higher than its surrounding suburban area?
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where the temperature at the center of a city is higher than its surrounding suburban area?
What happens when a huge amount of natural land is replaced by artificial built surface that absorbs incoming solar radiation and re-radiates it at night?
What happens when a huge amount of natural land is replaced by artificial built surface that absorbs incoming solar radiation and re-radiates it at night?
Who stated that under proper conditions, UHI may be up to 10-15°C?
Who stated that under proper conditions, UHI may be up to 10-15°C?
What factor does Adinna et al. (2009) hold accountable for the Urban Heat Island effect?
What factor does Adinna et al. (2009) hold accountable for the Urban Heat Island effect?
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What is the percentage range mentioned by Oke, T.R. (1982) for the potential increase in temperature due to UHI?
What is the percentage range mentioned by Oke, T.R. (1982) for the potential increase in temperature due to UHI?
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According to the text, what effect does UHI have on the demand for energy to cool buildings?
According to the text, what effect does UHI have on the demand for energy to cool buildings?
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Who stated that the phenomenon of UHI exists in almost every big city?
Who stated that the phenomenon of UHI exists in almost every big city?
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What does Quattrochi et al. (2000) mention as a factor held accountable for the UHI effect?
What does Quattrochi et al. (2000) mention as a factor held accountable for the UHI effect?
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According to Synnefa et al. (2008), what phenomenon causes discomfort to the city dwellers?
According to Synnefa et al. (2008), what phenomenon causes discomfort to the city dwellers?
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What does Oke, T.R. (1982) mention as a consequence of the microclimate created by UHI?
What does Oke, T.R. (1982) mention as a consequence of the microclimate created by UHI?
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What does Yamamoto (2006) refer to as a factor held accountable for the Urban Heat Island effect?
What does Yamamoto (2006) refer to as a factor held accountable for the Urban Heat Island effect?
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What is another name used in the text to describe Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect?
What is another name used in the text to describe Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect?
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What is the primary reason for the formation of Urban Heat Island (UHI) according to Taha (1997)?
What is the primary reason for the formation of Urban Heat Island (UHI) according to Taha (1997)?
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According to Akbari et al. (2001), which factor contributes to exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect?
According to Akbari et al. (2001), which factor contributes to exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect?
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What is the impact of low albedo materials, as discussed in the text?
What is the impact of low albedo materials, as discussed in the text?
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How does the presence of densely situated buildings in urban areas affect the urban microclimate?
How does the presence of densely situated buildings in urban areas affect the urban microclimate?
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What is the significant consequence of human gathering at city centers, as mentioned in the text?
What is the significant consequence of human gathering at city centers, as mentioned in the text?
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What is the ultimate effect of CO2 emission in urban areas, as discussed in the text?
What is the ultimate effect of CO2 emission in urban areas, as discussed in the text?
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According to Santamouris et al. (2007), what is a major cause for the devastating effects of Urban Heat Island in tropical and arid regions?
According to Santamouris et al. (2007), what is a major cause for the devastating effects of Urban Heat Island in tropical and arid regions?
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How does increased use of air conditioners contribute to worsening the Urban Heat Island effect?
How does increased use of air conditioners contribute to worsening the Urban Heat Island effect?
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What is one of the reasons for exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect according to Oke (1987)?
What is one of the reasons for exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect according to Oke (1987)?
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What is one of the vital reasons for the formation of UHI according to Grimmond & Oke (1999)?
What is one of the vital reasons for the formation of UHI according to Grimmond & Oke (1999)?
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How does wind blocking contribute to exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect?
How does wind blocking contribute to exacerbating the Urban Heat Island effect?
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What is a significant consequence of destruction of trees, as discussed in the text?
What is a significant consequence of destruction of trees, as discussed in the text?
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Study Notes
Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect
- UHI refers to the phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than their suburban counterparts due to various human activities and structures.
- Replacement of natural land with artificial surfaces leads to increased solar radiation absorption and heightened temperatures at night.
Temperature Increase
- Under optimal conditions, UHI temperature differences may reach 10-15°C, as noted by researchers in the field.
- Oke, T.R. (1982) indicated that UHI could potentially increase city temperatures by 2-4°C.
Energy Demand and Discomfort
- The UHI effect increases energy demand for cooling buildings, particularly during hot weather.
- Synnefa et al. (2008) highlighted that UHI creates discomfort for urban residents due to higher ambient temperatures.
Urban Characteristics Contributing to UHI
- Adinna et al. (2009) emphasized the role of urbanization in enhancing the UHI effect.
- High-density buildings contribute to the urban microclimate by trapping heat and reducing airflow.
Climatic Consequences
- Oke, T.R. (1982) pointed out that UHI alters local microclimates and can lead to adverse health effects.
- Yamamoto (2006) identified human activities and infrastructure as significant factors causing the UHI effect.
Factors Exacerbating UHI
- Low albedo materials increase heat retention, worsening the UHI situation.
- Deforestation and destruction of trees in urban settings decrease shade and can significantly elevate surface and air temperatures.
- Increased reliance on air conditioners not only heightens energy consumption but also elevates local temperatures.
Urban Structure and Human Activity
- Crowded city centers lead to heat accumulation and worsen UHI effects due to enhanced human activities.
- Wind blocking by densely constructed buildings can prevent heat dissipation, intensifying the UHI phenomenon.
Regional Variations
- Santamouris et al. (2007) noted the severe impacts of UHI in tropical and arid regions, where temperature increases are especially harmful.
- UHI can also perpetuate CO2 emissions in urban environments, contributing to broader climate change challenges.
Additional Terminology
- The UHI effect is sometimes referred to as urban warming, emphasizing temperature increases associated with city development.
- According to Grimmond & Oke (1999), ongoing urbanization and fossil fuel consumption are critical in driving UHI formation.
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Description
Explore the phenomenon of Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which causes higher temperatures at the center of cities compared to their rural surroundings. Learn about the factors contributing to this phenomenon and its impact on the environment.