microclimates
When the climate in a small area is different to the general surroundings it is called a microclimate.
There are lots of factors that can affect a microclimate...
They are:
Physical features: trees can provide shade, water can provide a cooling effect and hill tops can be windy.
Shelter: trees, hedges, walls and buildings can provide shelter, which means they will be warmer.
Buildings: buildings give off heat that has been stored during the day, they also break up any wind.
Surface: the colour of the ground affects warming.
Aspect: the direction that you/a building is facing is called aspect, facing the south will be warmer.
There are lots of factors that can affect a microclimate...
They are:
Physical features: trees can provide shade, water can provide a cooling effect and hill tops can be windy.
Shelter: trees, hedges, walls and buildings can provide shelter, which means they will be warmer.
Buildings: buildings give off heat that has been stored during the day, they also break up any wind.
Surface: the colour of the ground affects warming.
Aspect: the direction that you/a building is facing is called aspect, facing the south will be warmer.
around your school
To look at the microclimate around your school you could visit different sites around the building, making note of the factors that affect the cliamte.
Stand close to the school, then out in the middle of the field, stand on light and dark surfaces, notice which way you are facing.
Measure the temperature with a thermometer, wind speed with an anemometer and use a compass to note down the direction you are standing.
What is the microclimate of your school?
How is it the same for your local area?
How is it different?
Where was it the warmest or coldest?
Stand close to the school, then out in the middle of the field, stand on light and dark surfaces, notice which way you are facing.
Measure the temperature with a thermometer, wind speed with an anemometer and use a compass to note down the direction you are standing.
What is the microclimate of your school?
How is it the same for your local area?
How is it different?
Where was it the warmest or coldest?