Question

Describe the general effects of the following microclimates:

(a)rain shadow effect – how does it lead to the formation of inland deserts
(b)cities – why do they have more haze and smog, higher temperatures and lower wind speeds than the surrounding country side.

Answer 1

a) The loss of moisture from the landscape and the resulting semiarid or arid conditions on the leeward side of high mountains. The winds blowing in from the ocean are forced upward when they come to the mountains and leave most of their moisture on the windward side. Once they get over the mountain, they need more moisture and absorb it from the leeward side ( the side that gets no wind), thus creating the inland desert.

(b) Bricks, concrete, asphalt, and other building materials absorb and hold heat, and buildings block wind flow. Motor vehicles and the climate controls systems of buildings release large quantities of heat and pollutants.