Learn about the heat island effect, a phenomenon where dark urban surfaces like roads and rooftops lead to increased air temperatures in developed areas. Prepare for the USGBC LEED Green Associate Certification Exam with our comprehensive explanation.
Table of Contents
Question
The Increase in air temperature in a developed area resulting from the dark surfaces of roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops is known as
A. emissivity
B. global warming
C. greenhouse gas
D. heat island effect
Answer
D. heat island effect
Explanation
The increase in air temperature in a developed area resulting from the dark surfaces of roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops is known as heat island effect. Heat island effect is a phenomenon whereby urban areas experience higher temperatures than rural areas due to the absorption and re-emission of solar heat by man-made surfaces.
Heat island effect can have negative impacts on human health, energy consumption, air quality, and climate change. Some strategies to reduce heat island effect include increasing vegetation cover, using reflective or green roofs, using cool or permeable pavements, and enhancing natural ventilation.
The heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas, primarily due to the presence of dark surfaces like roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops. These dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation during the day and release the stored heat at night, leading to an overall increase in air temperature in developed areas.
The other options are related to heat and energy but do not accurately describe the phenomenon in question:
A. Emissivity is a material’s ability to emit thermal radiation, which is not directly related to the urban heat island effect.
B. Global warming is a long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system, which is different from the localized temperature increase caused by the heat island effect.
C. Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that absorb and emit thermal radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. While they play a role in the Earth’s climate, they do not specifically describe the heat island effect in urban areas.
In summary, the heat island effect is the most accurate description of the increase in air temperature in developed areas resulting from the presence of dark surfaces like roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops.
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