URBAN CLIMATOLOGY FINAL STUDY GUIDE
1. Architecture and Urban Planning
Discuss how building design can reduce heating/cooling needs in warm/cold, wet/dry
climates. How do windows, roofs, building materials, orientation to sunlight effect
heating/cooling? Describe native architecture and how it is acclimatized. How can we
combat the urban heat island through urban design?
2. Vegetation
Explain how vegetation can be used to cool urban environments. How does it affect
albedoes, air pollution, noise pollution, glare? Can vegetation be used to combat cold
in colder climates? Explain differences in climatic effects between deciduous and
evergreen trees. Where is the “effective radiative surface” in a wooded area? Explain
“forest climate” and how it differs from open spaces.
3. Air Pollution and Noise Pollution
What are the main air pollutants; what are the main sources of pollution? What is
secondary air pollution-give an example? What is photochemical smog? How is ozone
formed? What are the main effects of air pollution on plants, animals, materials and
human health? How does air pollution affect weather and climate? How does weather
and climate affect air pollution? Explain “the solution to pollution is dilution.”
How is noise measured? What is Hertz? What is the decibel scale? What is dBA scale?
What are the sources and effects of excessive noise? What is temporary and permanent
threshold shift (TTS and PTS)? What are the physiological and psychological effects
of noise? How can noise be controlled?
4. Human Comfort
What is the windchill temperature and how is it measured? Explain the heat index
and how it is measured. Why do we feel more uncomfortable when it’s hot and humid
than when it’s hot and dry? Explain how humans lose and gain heat. What is the
MET? What is a clo unit and what does it measure? How does altitude affect those
unaccustomed to high elevations? Why? Why are downtown areas of cities more
uncomfortable in summer, winter than in more green areas?