CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2008
| Author | Phalkey, Neelambari Keshao |
|---|---|
| Title | Analysis of the wind effects on Urban Heat Islands in the city of Manchester, UK |
| Summary | Global warming is scientifically documented across the world and is estimated to worsen in the coming decades. Given the uncertainties and challenges that lay in predicting climatic changes for their occurrence, intensity and impacts, scientists favour the development of improved prediction models and the use of multiple models to better anticipate future risks. Urban Heat Island effects i.e. the urban areas being much warmer than their surrounding rural areas, are increasingly becoming a norm in mega-cities. Anthropogenic activities attributed to ‘development’ have been identified as main causes for Urban Heat Island, particularly changes in the biophysical characteristics of urban space and rapid growth in built environments. Urban heat island effects will only worsen when coupled with global warming impacts. Built structures obstruct wind flow and alter wind speeds affecting surface and air temperatures. The current thesis analyses the impact of wind speeds and roughness lengths on urban surface temperatures and hence on Urban Heat Island, in Greater Manchester. The study used Tso Energy Balance Model (1990; 1991) for analysis. Model runs with varying wind speeds and roughness lengths calculated surface temperatures for model sensitivity. To verify model performance, the model output data was compared to real data obtained from Meteorological office, UK. The model findings confirm that both wind speed and roughness length inversely affect urban surface temperatures in Greater Manchester, UK. The model was efficient in estimating surface temperatures for urban conditions. It is then recommended that such studies be duplicated at multiple locations as well as over time to substantiate the study findings. However, there were large discrepancies in modeling data and observed data values for rural conditions. Reasons for this need further exploration. Modeling offers a pragmatic tool to anticipate future risk scenarios for Urban Heat Island effects. They generate useful information and evidence that may help urban planners and policy makers to mitigate Urban Heat Island impacts through adaptations. Such efforts should to be duplicated globally. |
| Supervisor | Dr. Ann Webb and Dr. Claire Smith |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2008/phalkey_neelambari.pdf |
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