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 counterparts. This temperature difference is primarily attributed to human activities and modifications to the natural landscape. The principal cause is the replacement of natural vegetation with materials such as asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain solar radiation more effectively. Furthermore, the high density of buildings can create urban canyons that trap heat and reduce airflow. Waste heat generated from vehicles, industrial processes, and air conditioning systems also contributes substantially to the elevated temperatures. The lack of extensive green spaces, which would normally provide cooling through evapotranspiration, exacerbates this condition. The consequences of the UHI effect are multifaceted. Elevated temperatures lead to increased energy consumption for cooling, placing a greater strain on power grids. Public health is also a major concern, as prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Consequently, urban planners are now increasingly focused on mitigation strategies, such as implementing cool pavements and expanding green infrastructure to counteract these adverse effects.
Câu hỏi luyện tập
1. What is the primary purpose of this passage?
2. What term does the passage use for building formations that trap heat?
3. According to the text, what is a primary cause of the UHI effect?
4. What natural cooling process is reduced by the lack of green spaces?
5. In the final sentence, what can be inferred about 'green infrastructure'?
6. What kind of health problems can be increased by prolonged exposure to urban heat?
7. The word 'multifaceted' in the passage is closest in meaning to: