Q20A. Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are areas in cities that experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. This phenomenon poses serious environmental and health challenges.

Body

Causes for the formation of heat islands

1. Increased Impervious Surfaces: Urban areas have more concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat, reducing natural cooling from vegetation and water bodies.
2. Limited Vegetation: Deforestation and urbanization lead to a decrease in green spaces, limiting evapotranspiration and increasing surface temperatures through reduced shade.
3. Waste Heat Generation: Human activities, such as transportation and industrial processes, emit waste heat, contributing to higher temperatures in densely populated urban areas.
4. Building Materials: Urban construction often uses materials like bricks and concrete, which have high thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.
5. Urban Geometry: The compact arrangement of buildings can trap heat, leading to reduced airflow and limited dispersion of heat, exacerbating temperature increases.
6. Air Pollution: Urban areas with high pollution levels can enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere and raising temperatures further.
7. Energy Consumption: High energy usage in cities for cooling and lighting generates additional heat, contributing to UHI formation, particularly during summer months.
8. Climate Change: Global warming is intensifying UHI effects, as rising baseline temperatures amplify the heat-retaining characteristics of urban environments, worsening heat extremes.

Conclusion

The formation of urban heat islands is driven by various interconnected factors, including land use changes, energy consumption, and climate change. Addressing these causes is essential for sustainable urban development and public health.

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