Hmm, manmade microclimates. We have them naturally in San Diego, explained here:
http://tourguidetim.com/how-to-prepare-for-san-diego-weather/ and here http://www.hribar.com/san-diego-microclimate.html I love it! I live in a perfect climate zone (Mission Valley), it's own intermediate microclimate in between coastal, which can actually be surprisingly cool even in summer and the MUCH TOO HOT inland areas. When I listen to the news I know how to adjust and prepare. Annette Annette Kujawski Taylor, Ph. D. Professor, Psychological Sciences University of San Diego 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110-2492 [email protected] ________________________________________ Subject: Measuring the Microclimate in Manhattan, NYC (Sorry Kansas) From: "Mike Palij" <[email protected]> Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:52:02 -0400 Our colleagues at the City College of the City University of New York (CUNY) are doing a research study on the differences in climate measures (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) on a block by block basis in Manhattan. Though the research results have not yet been formally published, preliminary results confirm informal observation: temperature in Manhattan varies systematically as a function of location. "Low lying" areas of Manhattan, such as the Lower East Side (LES) tend to be hotter than "higher elevations". NOTE: Some might think of Manhattan as being flat but this is a mistake. The highest "natural" point in Manhattan is 265.05 feet above sea level in Bennett Park in northern Manhattan, above the GW bridge; see the NYC Parks website: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bennett-park/monuments/721 Some may sneer at a height that is less than a vertical football field but others may consider it a blessing especially if you bike around Manhattan. Indeed, "bikers" provide fairly detailed info about elevation in Manhattan; see: http://www.bikeforums.net/northeast/303521-manhattan-nyc-elevation-meters-above-sea-level.html Using the above info, one can predict which areas in Manhattan were most affected by Superstorm Sandy. Anyway, the local public radio station WNYC had a news piece on the study (see: http://www.wnyc.org/story/beware-light-box-effect-and-other-secrets-nycs-microclimates/) which was picked up the Gothamist; see: http://gothamist.com/2014/08/26/temperatures_in_manhattan_do_actual.php And here is the website for the City College research group: http://http://glasslab.engr.ccny.cuny.edu/u/brianvh/UHI/ There's a real 1990s vibe to the research website. ;-) Now, it probably should not come as a big surprise the there are systematic differences in temperatures on different blocks or, more accurately, streets/avenues. For example, most streets run east-west which means that the amount of sunlight they get during the day is limited -- trees further reduce the amount of direct sunlight on pavement and sidewalks. All avenues run north-south and these receive the greatest amount of sunlight during the day. Temps on avenues are typically higher than on streets and one explanation is because of the sunlight they receive. However, there are other factors to consider: (1) Avenues tend to have the greatest amount of traffic, mostly of the stop and go kind which would add to the heating of the surface (2) Underground power lines, steam pipes, and telecommunications cables also use the avenue to reach neighborhoods. All of these generate heat (3) Many subways run under avenue, with the older IRT and BMT lines (from the early 20th century) near to the surface. These were usually constructed using the "cut and cover" method which involved digging an open ditch to the level of the subway and then covering it up (the IND line which was created in the 1930s typically used deep tunneling to cut done on the "collateral damage" caused by the cut and cover method). And so on. Remember when you're next in NYC: some parts are hotter than others. ;-) -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] P.S. Yes, I do live in a hot part of town. ;-) --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=38128 or send a blank email to leave-38128-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
