The Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes and Consequences
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a well-documented meteorological phenomenon wherein urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural counterparts. This temperature discrepancy is primarily attributed to the modification of land surfaces. Urban infrastructure, characterized by materials like asphalt, concrete, and brick, absorbs and retains a greater amount of solar radiation compared to natural landscapes such as forests and bodies of water. Furthermore, the scarcity of vegetation in cities limits the natural cooling process of evapotranspiration. The dense concentration of buildings also creates urban canyons that trap heat and obstruct wind flow, further exacerbating the issue.
The consequences of the UHI effect are substantial. Increased ambient temperatures lead to a higher demand for energy, particularly for air conditioning, which in turn contributes to greater greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, this creates a feedback loop that can intensify regional climate change. From a public health perspective, elevated temperatures during heatwaves pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing urban planning strategies, such as implementing green roofs and using reflective materials, designed to mitigate this environmental challenge.
Câu hỏi luyện tập
1. What is the main purpose of this passage?
2. According to the passage, what type of phenomenon is the Urban Heat Island effect?
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of the Urban Heat Island effect?
4. What natural cooling process is limited in cities due to a lack of plants?
5. In the final sentence, the word 'mitigate' is closest in meaning to:
6. The passage suggests that the UHI effect can create a 'feedback loop' by increasing the use of air conditioning, which in turn leads to what?
7. The text states that heatwaves are particularly dangerous for which groups?