Heat Island

What is an urban heat island?

• A city that is cooler than its surroundings

• A city that experiences much warmer temperatures than nearby rural areas

• A rural area that is warmer than nearby cities

• A natural phenomenon that cools urban areas

What is a characteristic of urban building materials?

• They are mostly light-colored

• They are permeable to water

• They are often dark and absorb heat

• They are made of natural materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

What is the role of NASA satellites in understanding urban heat islands?

• They increase urban temperatures

• They build new cities

• They cool down urban areas

• They track hotspots and help urban planners

What can higher temperatures in cities lead to?

• More rainfall

• Increased plant growth

• Decreased energy usage

• Dehydration and heat exhaustion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What process in plants helps cool the environment?

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Transpiration

• Evaporation

What is the effect of planting gardens on urban rooftops?

• It increases the temperature of the city

• It helps to cool down the city

• It has no effect on the city's temperature

• It makes the city more humid

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following tactics could help mitigate the heat island effect?

• Planting more trees

• Making buildings taller

• Making surfaces darker

• Increasing the use of air conditioners

Why are cities more likely to become heat islands? Select all that apply.

• They have few trees and green spaces.

• Many buildings are close together.

• Many surfaces have a low albedo.

• The combined body heat of all the people

• Surface water (rivers, lakes, etc) is abundant.

What is the primary cause of the urban heat island effect?

• Increased vegetation in urban areas

• High concentration of vehicles

• Absorption and retention of heat by buildings and roads

• Presence of large water bodies

Which of the following materials is most likely to contribute to the heat island effect?

• White concrete

• Dark asphalt

• Reflective glass

• Green roofing