Microclimates

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What is a microclimate?

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A microclimate is a small region with a climate that differs from the surrounding areas.

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What factors influence California's central valley microclimate?

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The central valley microclimate is influenced by the coast and the mountains.

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What is the climate of Antarctica characterized by?

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Antarctica has been freezing cold, even in the summertime, for tens of thousands of years.

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What are the three spheres that influence microclimates?

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Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Geosphere.

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What natural phenomenon influences microclimates on Maui?

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Trade winds influence microclimates on Maui.

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How do urban areas create microclimates?

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Urban areas can create microclimates through the urban heat island effect, where cities are warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

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What role does elevation play in microclimates?

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Elevation can create microclimates by affecting temperature and precipitation patterns; higher elevations tend to be cooler and may receive more precipitation.

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How can vegetation affect microclimates?

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Vegetation can affect microclimates by providing shade, reducing wind speed, and influencing humidity levels.

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What is the urban heat island effect?

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The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and land use.

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How do bodies of water influence local microclimates?

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Bodies of water can moderate temperatures, leading to cooler summers and warmer winters in nearby areas.