A comparative study of human thermal comfort conditions in two mountainous regions in Greece during summer

Abstract

Human thermal comfort conditions were determined in two mountainous regions of Greece, Gerania mountains (MG) in east continental Greece, and mountainous Nafpaktia (MN) in west continental Greece. Both regions are unexploited with considerable tourist potential. Four sites in each study region were selected on the basis of different altitude. Air temperature and humidity, 1.5 m above ground surface, were recorded simultaneously every 15 minutes by sensors with dataloggers in selected sites between 23 June and 28 August 2007. Data of the above parameters were used for the calculation of the thermohygrometric index from which thermal comfort conditions were evaluated. Also, an artificial neural network model, was applied for the THI values evaluation at the highest examined altitudes based on the respective values of the lowest examined altitudes in both MG and MN. Results showed that from 09:00 to 20:00 h, MN was found to be more suitable, in relation to MG, for tourist and recreation activities at altitudes of 1338 m. At lower altitudes, both study regions could be proposed in an equal basis for the above activities during summer. Also, for the same period, thermal comfort conditions at the highest examined altitudes of MN and MG can accurately be predicted using artificial neural network models on the basis of those at lowest examined altitudes. From 21:00 to 08:00 h, MN can be considered clearly as a better tourist destination than MG.