What is the urban heat island effect?

The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas, primarily as a result of human activities and alterations to the landscape. This increase in temperature is largely due to the concentration of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure that absorb and retain heat, along with reduced vegetation and soil that typically provide cooling through evapotranspiration.

In urban environments, surfaces such as asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and release it more slowly at night, contributing to elevated nighttime temperatures. Additionally, human activities, such as transportation and industrial processes, generate heat that further exacerbates the situation.

Understanding the urban heat island effect is crucial for urban planning and environmental management, as it influences energy consumption, air quality, and public health. This concept highlights the significant impact that urbanization has on local climate variations.