The Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes and Consequences

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a well-documented phenomenon where metropolitan areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural environments. This temperature difference is primarily attributed to how urban landscapes modify the energy balance. Urban surfaces, such as asphalt roads and concrete buildings, possess thermal properties that cause them to absorb and retain more solar radiation compared to natural vegetation and soil. This effect is compounded by the low albedo—or reflectivity—of many dark-colored construction materials. Furthermore, the geometry of cities contributes to heat retention. Tall buildings create urban canyons that trap radiated heat and obstruct wind flow, limiting natural cooling processes. Another significant factor is the release of anthropogenic heat from human activities, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the operation of air conditioning systems. The consequences of the UHI effect are substantial, leading to increased energy demand for cooling, which in turn exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. It also poses public health risks, particularly during heatwaves. Consequently, understanding these mechanisms is essential for implementing effective mitigation strategies, such as promoting green roofs and employing reflective materials in what is known as sustainable urban planning.

Câu hỏi luyện tập

1. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

2. What term is used to describe heat released from human activities like industry and transport?

3. According to the passage, the low reflectivity of urban materials is also known as what?

4. What is one of the negative consequences of the UHI effect mentioned in the passage?

5. What structural features of cities are described as trapping heat and blocking wind?

6. The word 'obstruct' in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to:

7. What field of study is concerned with implementing solutions like green roofs to reduce the UHI effect?

Chia sẻ bài viết

Facebook Twitter