Uploaded on 2017-05-04 by Furry Bear

Module 4 - Compulsory Exercise 2 Module 4 - compulsory Exercise: Heat island effect As was explained in the lectures of this week, an urban heat island (UHI) is a city or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. 1. Check the temperature differences in US cities In this first part of the exercise, we would like you to follow the link to the Climate Central website and check the temperature differences that have been recorded in US cities and their surrounding rural areas due to UHI effect. 2. Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? Now that you saw the significant effect of UHI in the US cities, can you provide data and information for your own place of residence? In addition to that, we want you to provide two images; the first one of a city and the second one of its surrounding rural area (preferably one of those areas is your place of residence). Compare the two images in terms of reasons that contribute to the UHI effect of the city. Ans: Temperature difference between night and day 25years ago and now: 25 years ago: highest temperature: 32oC, lowest 18 to 24oC. Max difference = 10oC 25 years later/ now: highest temperature 42oC, lowest 26-28oC. Max difference = 14oC 3. Which are the measures you would propose? If you could take part in the decision-making process of an initiative related to the UHI effect, which are the measures that you would propose in order to reduce it and provide a more livable environment to the citizens? Ans: Density of development and the design. The projection of traffic and proper design ought to be on long term basis, a calculation including population growth and cars. 4. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? Do you know of policies in your community that are planned to reduce the UHI effect? Provide us with information regarding any visible results. Ans: Not at the moment besides tree planting on the road sides. * When you upload images, you have taken by yourself, you agree that the Future Cities Team of ETH Zurich has the right to use them (images and your descriptions) in any occasion (e.g. the web, exhibition). Of course, this will always be done with reference to your name. For this reason, it is important to upload images taken by you. And do not forget to always mention the location (country and city/place) to which the photos you upload refer. In case you want to post an image found online, please make sure that you do not infringe any third party rights by using those images and always ask for permission/license to use the image for your purpose. Furthermore refer to the copyright holder and inform us.