Anonymous
Nov 27, 2023
With citation and references,what cause micro climate?
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Nov 27, 2023
Microclimates are small-scale variations in climate conditions that occur within a larger region. They are influenced by a combination of factors, including topography, vegetation, proximity to water bodies, and human activities. Here are some of the main causes of microclimates:
1. Topography: The shape and elevation of the land play a significant role in creating microclimates. For example, valleys and depressions tend to trap cold air, leading to cooler temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Slopes and hills can influence wind patterns, causing variations in temperature and precipitation.
2. Proximity to water bodies: The presence of large water bodies, such as lakes or oceans, can moderate temperatures in nearby areas. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it takes longer to heat up or cool down compared to land. As a result, coastal areas often experience milder temperatures due to the influence of the nearby water.
3. Vegetation: Plants and trees can affect microclimates through their ability to absorb and release moisture, provide shade, and alter wind patterns. Forested areas, for instance, tend to be cooler and more humid compared to open grasslands. The evapotranspiration process, where plants release water vapor through their leaves, can also contribute to localized cooling effects.
4. Urbanization: Human activities associated with urban areas can create microclimates known as urban heat islands. The presence of concrete, asphalt, and buildings can absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas. Additionally, the lack of vegetation and increased pollution levels can further exacerbate the warming effect.
5. Aspect and exposure: The orientation of a slope or landform can influence the amount of sunlight received and the direction of prevailing winds. South-facing slopes, for example, receive more sunlight and tend to be warmer compared to north-facing slopes. Similarly, areas exposed to prevailing winds may experience higher wind speeds and increased evaporation rates.
References:
1. Oke, T. R. (1987). Boundary Layer Climates. Routledge.
2. Arnfield, A. J. (2003). Two decades of urban climate research: a review of turbulence, exchanges of energy and water, and the urban heat island. International Journal of Climatology, 23(1), 1-26.
3. Geiger, R., Aron, R. H., & Todhunter, P. (2009). The Climate Near the Ground. Rowman & Littlefield.
4. Monteiro, J. A. F., & Carvalho, A. C. (2017). Microclimate and Local Climate. In The Urban Microclimate as Artifact (pp. 15-34). Springer.
1. Topography: The shape and elevation of the land play a significant role in creating microclimates. For example, valleys and depressions tend to trap cold air, leading to cooler temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Slopes and hills can influence wind patterns, causing variations in temperature and precipitation.
2. Proximity to water bodies: The presence of large water bodies, such as lakes or oceans, can moderate temperatures in nearby areas. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it takes longer to heat up or cool down compared to land. As a result, coastal areas often experience milder temperatures due to the influence of the nearby water.
3. Vegetation: Plants and trees can affect microclimates through their ability to absorb and release moisture, provide shade, and alter wind patterns. Forested areas, for instance, tend to be cooler and more humid compared to open grasslands. The evapotranspiration process, where plants release water vapor through their leaves, can also contribute to localized cooling effects.
4. Urbanization: Human activities associated with urban areas can create microclimates known as urban heat islands. The presence of concrete, asphalt, and buildings can absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas. Additionally, the lack of vegetation and increased pollution levels can further exacerbate the warming effect.
5. Aspect and exposure: The orientation of a slope or landform can influence the amount of sunlight received and the direction of prevailing winds. South-facing slopes, for example, receive more sunlight and tend to be warmer compared to north-facing slopes. Similarly, areas exposed to prevailing winds may experience higher wind speeds and increased evaporation rates.
References:
1. Oke, T. R. (1987). Boundary Layer Climates. Routledge.
2. Arnfield, A. J. (2003). Two decades of urban climate research: a review of turbulence, exchanges of energy and water, and the urban heat island. International Journal of Climatology, 23(1), 1-26.
3. Geiger, R., Aron, R. H., & Todhunter, P. (2009). The Climate Near the Ground. Rowman & Littlefield.
4. Monteiro, J. A. F., & Carvalho, A. C. (2017). Microclimate and Local Climate. In The Urban Microclimate as Artifact (pp. 15-34). Springer.
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