Abstract
The urban climate, especially the near-surface air temperature ( T ), is influenced to large amounts by urban surface properties on the local-scale. Landscape classification schemes, like the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) concept, classify neighbourhoods on this scale based on their surface properties, neglecting sub-scale heterogeneity in the urban structure and its potential effects on T . To quantify sub-scale T variability, a measurement campaign with eleven stationary T sensors was conducted within one LCZ (class 2B, compact midrise with scattered trees) in Berlin, Germany, during 22 days in summer 2016. Correlation analyses were performed between observed spatial T differences and micro-scale morphometric parameters around the measurement sites, such as sky view factor and building surface fraction. The results show mean night-time T differences of up to 1 K between the different sites. On a clear, calm and dry day, the daytime difference reached 3 K. At night-time, the variability can be best explained by the building surface fraction within a radius of 50 m. Further, a nocturnal cooling influence of a neighbouring green space could be observed. The observed micro-scale T variability was smaller than T differences to other LCZ classes, highlighting the applicability of the LCZ concept.
Highlights
The Earth’s surface influences the atmosphere through a variety of processes and on different spatial scales, leading to characteristic atmospheric phenomena
The air temperature (T) of the near-ground atmosphere within the urban canopy layer (UCL), i.e., the atmospheric layer stretching from the ground to approximately the mean building height [2], is largely influenced by the surroundings within several hundred meters to a few kilometres
The T variability within the Schillerkiez during day- and night-time is depicted in Figure 3, showing ∆TSK for each site
Summary
The Earth’s surface influences the atmosphere through a variety of processes and on different spatial scales, leading to characteristic atmospheric phenomena. The air temperature (T) of the near-ground atmosphere within the urban canopy layer (UCL), i.e., the atmospheric layer stretching from the ground to approximately the mean building height [2], is largely influenced by the surroundings within several hundred meters to a few kilometres. This scale can be referred to as the local-scale [3,4]. The concept is based on several land cover (e.g., building surface fraction, vegetation surface fraction), morphological
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