Urban Climates Quiz

What is the primary cause of higher temperatures in urban microclimates compared to rural areas?

• Higher altitude

• Lower pollution levels

• Increased vegetation

• Urban Heat Islands

What is the main reason for the formation of Urban Heat Islands?

• High albedo rates in city centers

• Non-reflective building materials absorbing heat

• Increased wind speeds

• Decreased car usage

What effect do glass buildings in urban areas have on the local climate?

• None of the above

• Trap more heat leading to lower temperatures

• Decrease temperatures by reflecting heat

• Increase albedo rates

How do urban areas affect local wind patterns?

• Increase wind speed uniformly

• No impact on wind speeds

• Decrease wind speed due to building friction

• Increase wind speed due to open spaces

What is a temperature inversion?

• Increase of temperature with altitude

• Reversal of the normal decrease of air temperature with altitude

• Decrease of temperature with altitude

• Normal decrease of air temperature with altitude

What urban feature can increase the likelihood of thunderstorms?

• Lower buildings

• Fewer cars

• Higher temperatures

• More parks and green areas

What is the impact of urban structures on cloud cover?

• Cloud cover only during winter

• Increase in cloud cover

• No impact on cloud cover

• Decrease in cloud cover

What is the primary function of green roofs in urban areas?

• To attract wildlife

• To increase building height

• To reduce surface and air temperatures

• To increase aesthetic appeal

What is the main purpose of cool roofs?

• To store heat

• To generate electricity

• To collect rainwater

• To reflect sunlight and heat away from a building

What is the effect of smart growth practices?

• Reduce natural environment protection

• Make communities more attractive and economically stronger

• Increase urban temperatures

• Increase pollution levels