Urban Microclimates
What are the three main characteristics of an urban microclimate?
Temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, relative humidity.
What is an urban heat island?
A city area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas.
Name two main sources of urban air pollution.
Industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.
What are the three main categories of waste?
Biodegradable, recyclable, and inert waste.
What is one environmental impact of urbanization?
Increased air and water pollution, habitat destruction
What effect does the urban canopy layer have on wind speed?
It reduces wind speed due to buildings acting as wind barriers.
Why do urban areas have lower albedo?
Dark surfaces like tarmac and roofs absorb heat instead of reflecting it.
What are the health effects of carbon monoxide exposure?
Causes heart problems, headaches, and fatigue.
What is municipal solid waste?
Waste generated from residential, commercial, and institutional sources.
How does public transportation reduce urban pollution?
It decreases vehicle emissions by reducing individual car use.
Why do urban areas experience more thunderstorms than rural areas?
Increased pollution leads to more condensation nuclei, enhancing storm formation.
What causes the thermal gradient in urban areas?
Differences in heat retention between urban cores and rural surroundings.
What is the difference between smog and photochemical smog?
Smog is caused by industrial pollution, photochemical smog results from sunlight reacting with pollutants.
Why do HDEs generate more waste than LDEs?
Higher consumption levels and more disposable goods.
Name a sustainable urban planning strategy.
Green roofs, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, or renewable energy use.
What is the ‘canyon effect’ in cities?
Local gusts and wind channeling caused by tall buildings.
How do glass and steel surfaces affect heat distribution?
They reflect heat into surrounding areas, intensifying the heat island effect.
How do temperature inversions contribute to urban air pollution?
They trap pollutants near the surface, preventing their dispersion.
What type of waste requires special handling due to safety concerns?
Hazardous waste, including chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste.
What is a smart city?
A city that integrates technology to improve infrastructure and sustainability.
Explain how urban areas influence cloud formation.
Higher temperatures and pollution create updrafts, leading to increased cloud cover.
Why is the heat island effect stronger at night?
Urban materials release stored heat slowly, maintaining high temperatures.
Give an example of a city that has implemented successful air pollution reduction strategies.
London’s Clean Air Act or Mexico City’s vehicle restriction policies.
Name one innovative waste management strategy used in cities.
Switzerland’s waste sorting and recycling system.
What is the biggest challenge of rapid urbanization in LDEs?
Infrastructure development, sanitation, and managing informal settlements.