The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural or natural areas
The urban heat island effect describes the elevated temperatures found in urban areas due to human activities and the built environment.
Urban areas have high concentrations of buildings, roads, concrete, and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat from the sun more effectively than natural surfaces.
This leads to increased daytime temperatures.
Urban surfaces, such as roads and buildings, have lower albedo (reflectivity) compared to natural surfaces like forests or fields.
This means they absorb more solar radiation, further contributing to increased temperatures.
Urban materials like concrete and asphalt store heat during the day and release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures compared to rural areas.
This limited cooling at night can lead to discomfort and affect sleep patterns.
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