Arid Climate Regions Research Articles

Assessment of various energy storage methods for implementation in hot and arid climates

AbstractGlobal warming plays an increasing role in our world, as the share of renewable energy sources in the overall production of electricity has witnessed exponential growth over the past years. Consumer demands are required to be met at any moment at a feasible price. However, storing energy in hot and arid climate regions is a sensitive matter as it is critical to consider appropriate technologies to implement for avoiding unnecessary causalities caused by extreme temperatures. This study compares 13 different energy storage methods, namely; pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, hot water storage, molten salt, hydrogen, ammonia, lithium‐ion battery, Zn‐air battery, redox flow battery, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and superconducting magnetic storage to be implemented in hot arid regions in terms of water usage, energy density, location dependency, and temperature degradation. A survey was conducted based on prior criteria to compare all 13 energy storage methods. The study concluded that the highest rankings for energy storage techniques are obtained for; Zn‐air battery, superconductors, and flywheels with overall rankings of 7.18, 6.73, and 6.61, respectively. In contrast, some of the rankings are very close to each other implying the potential application of several methods in hot climates.

Exploring the spatial-temporal characteristics of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Central Asia based on the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS).

Central Asia has become a key node of the belt and road corridor. It is located in arid and semi-arid climate regions, and it is a region where the contribution of global aerosols of sand and dust is continuous. However, few studies have been conducted on the Central Asian aerosol optical depth. Therefore, this paper relied on the belt and road sustainable development dataset to analyze the spatial-temporal variations in the AOD in Central Asia and provide spatial-temporal characteristics of the AOD for environmental services. We analyzed the spatial and temporal variation in the aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Central Asia by using MODIS/AQUA C6 MYD08_M3 images from 2008 to 2017. The results showed that (1) the annual average AOD in Central Asia in the past decade varied from 0.183 to 0.232, which indicated a slow decline starting in 2014. The percentage of average annual decline was approximately 0.18%, and the regular distinct revealed the distribution characteristics of AOD. In different years, the Central Asian region exhibited the similar monthly change characteristics: from July to December, the AOD decreased, and from December to February, it increased. In different seasons, the Central Asian region exhibited the different seasonal change characteristics: the AOD value was higher in the spring and summer. The mean values in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 0.273, 0.240, 0.155, and 0.183, respectively, and the standard deviations were 0.036, 0.038, 0.025, and 0.048, respectively. (3) Based on spatial distribution characteristics, the Tarim Basin, Aral Sea region, and Ebinur Lake area were high value areas, and Kazakhstan was a low value area. The AOD of the surrounding area of the Aral Sea had increased in the last 5years, while that of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan had decreased. The AOD of the Taklamakan area exhibited an inter-annual change. Sand dust aerosols were the largest contributors to the AOD in the Taklamakan area. The rising trend of the AOD in the Aral Sea area was clear, with an average annual increase of 0.234%, and the contribution of salt dust aerosols to the AOD increased. The average annual AOD in the Ebinur Lake area remained stable.

Burrowing behavior protects a threatened freshwater mussel in drying rivers

Reduced streamflow because of climate change presents a major threat to aquatic biodiversity in arid, semi-arid and Mediterranean climatic regions. Freshwater mussels are particularly sensitive to this threat, because of their sedentary nature and limited mobility as juveniles or adults. The freshwater mussel Westralunio carteri, which is endemic to south-western Australia, has undergone a 49% reduction in range in the last 50 years, and a drying climate presents substantial extinction risk, as highlighted by two recent cases of mass mortality. Experimental studies found that mussels respond to water emersion by first tracking receding water levels, then burrowing. The amount of horizontal movement by mussels was not affected by size, but smaller mussels initiated burrowing sooner and were also more likely to be predated if they remained on the surface. Burrowing and shading both significantly reduced mortality rate and increased survival time when mussels were exposed to drying; when shaded or allowed to burrow, mussels could survive at least 62 days out of water. Predicted future reductions in streamflow are likely to increase the mortality rate in W. carteri, but it may be possible to partially avert the adverse effects of drying rivers by increasing riparian shading.

The coupled effect of temperature, humidity, and air movement on human thermal response in hot–humid and hot–arid climates in summer in China

Apart from temperature, relative humidity (RH) and air velocity (Va) also affect human thermal comfort, especially in hot–humid and hot–arid climate regions. To explore the coupling effects of temperature, humidity, and air movement on human thermal response in summer, two long–term field studies were conducted in Beihai (a typical hot–humid region in China) and Turpan (a typical hot–arid region in China), from which 610 and 1080 valid datasets were obtained respectively. Results show that the residents of hot–arid regions have higher tolerance to hot environment compared with residents of hot–humid regions. Within the same temperature range, the residents of hot–humid regions want cooler temperatures compared with the residents of hot–arid regions. The variation in RH does not have much influence on human thermal sensation, thermal comfort and thermal acceptability in hot–humid climates. However, in hot–arid climates, humidity shows an opposite effect on the thermal sensation of the human body in different thermal environments. In a slightly warm environment (30 °C–35 °C), humidity has no significant effect on thermal sensation. In an extremely hot environment (>35 °C), an increase in humidity may negatively affect thermal sensation. Meanwhile, in hot–humid regions, when the operative temperature was lower than 33.5 °C, the mean thermal sensation was significantly reduced by increasing air velocity. When the operative temperature exceeded 33.5 °C, increasing air velocity could significantly reduce mean thermal sensation only when the air velocity exceeded 1.0 m/s. However, a slight increment in air velocity can significantly improve thermal sensation in an extremely dry environment. Moreover, the willingness to increase air movement was higher among the residents of hot–humid regions than among the residents of hot–arid regions. These findings support climate adaptation theory and can serve as references for the design of low–energy buildings.

Application of a standardized precipitation index for mapping drought severity in an arid climate region, southeastern Iran

Drought is a recurring climate phenomenon causing many environmental and agricultural problems among others. To limit drought consequences, it is essential to monitor drought and implement efficient control measures. The aim of this study is to investigate the application of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-month timescales for mapping the drought severity as an effective water management tool in an arid climate region. Calculations of the SPI were performed using historic records of monthly precipitation data of 50 stations over the Sistan and Baluchistan province, southeast of Iran. The majority of the SPI variants showed a moderate to strong spatial correlation with a spherical structure. In 1997, having a higher amount of rainfall, all areas across the province were in a wet or normal condition. In the years with a low rainfall amount (e.g., 2012), the western and southeastern parts of the province have been affected by different degrees of drought especially at the moderate timescales 6 and 12 months. The generated SPI maps identified the most vulnerable regions to drought over the province where government investments should be prioritized for an improved resiliency of the water management infrastructures and for designing a strategic crop management plan with less irrigation water demands.

<p><strong><em>Seira atlantica </em>Negri, Pellecchia & Fanciulli, 2005: New record of Collembola (Entomobryidae: Seirinae) from alfalfa field in Iran</strong></p>

In the present study, Seira atlantica Negri, Pellecchia & Fanciulli, 2005 is recorded for the first time in Iran, up to date the species was known only from the type locality in Morocco. The specimens of S. atlantica were collected in alfalfa crops using insect net since the huge number of specimens were active underneath the skin of the newly emerged stems as well as in the crown of the plant. In plants holes created under the parenchyma of the stem surface were found, and subsequently small cavities were created under these holes. Therefore, it should be revealed if the species is introduced together with cultivars or is widely distributed in arid climate region. In the Middle-East eight Seira species have been registered, of which two distributed in Iran, Seira atlantica and Seira domestica Nicolet. Diagnosis of this species is updated in the frame of current taxonomy. Key words: Zanjan, distribution of species, Seira, Collembola

Some rock mass, chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of Mardin limestone, Turkey

The Mardin limestones have been one of the most widely used building materials in the city of Mardin of Turkey from antiquity to current day. These historical structures are listed within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage Tentative List. Despite the widespread use of this limestone, the physical and mechanical parameters had not been investigated in detail. In this study, some rock mass, chemical, thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of Mardin limestone were investigated. Although the physical properties are not satisfactory, strength properties satisfy the international usage standards. Therefore, it can be claimed that Mardin limestone has great industrial potential as construction and covering stone in arid and hot climatic regions.

Coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Northeast Brazil: clinical/epidemiological profile and most common radiological findings.

INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis, a disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, is endemic in arid climatic regions in Northeast Brazil. Its prevalence is higher among young adult males living in rural areas. Existing literature about this disease in Ceará, a Northeast Brazilian state, are scarce. Here, we aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profiles, radiological patterns, and therapeutic responses of patients with coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS This is a descriptive study with quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent medical follow-up in São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases and received confirmed mycological diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis between January, 2007 and December 2017 were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic response data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS Thirty patients were included. The patients were males with median age of 30 years, and 73% were considered to have high-risk exposure to Coccidioides owing to professional activities. Cough (96.7%), dyspnea (63.3%), fever (86.7%), and pleuritic pain (60%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Interstitial pattern (91.3%) was the most frequent pulmonary radiological finding. Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole were administered for treatment (in 82.1%, 42.8%, and 21.4% of cases, respectively). A favorable outcome was observed in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis was more prevalent in the central and southern regions of the State of Ceará. Understanding the local epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease, in addition to the pulmonary radiologic findings, may aid the early detection of coccidioidomycosis and facilitate early diagnosis.

Using smart glazing for reducing energy consumption on existing office building in hot dry climate

ABSTRACT Office buildings in Upper Egypt suffer from high temperature in summer due to solar radiation of this extreme hot arid climatic region. The effect of smart glass on reducing energy consumption in office buildings is well studied in temperature climates but rarely addressed for this Region. This paper aims to compare different types of glazing to define which achieves a better balance between reducing cooling energy consumption and daylight saving. Six types of glazing were simulated on the main office building of Sohag governorate – Egypt. The simulation was carried out for all orientations. Energy Plus-Design Builder simulation tool has been used to study the effect of smart glass on increasing energy efficiency. The window area-to-floor ratio was 8%, 16%, 24% and 32%. Simulation results show that smart glazing is more effective than traditional windows. Electro-chromic glass achieved the best results in reducing cooling energy consumption for window area of 32%. Also, achieving a significant reduction in cooling loads up to 43% in East orientation, 46% in South orientation and 45% in West orientation. On the other hand, it reduced glare in the East and West orientation by 64%. And, it reduced consumption of lighting energy by 60%, 61% and 57% in East, South and West, respectively. The effect of Gaso-chromic was increased when the window area ratio increased to 32%. For window area 32%, Gaso-chromic achieved the results of light energy similar to Electro-chromic.

The Potential Role of Cobalt and/or Organic Fertilizers in Improving the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition of Moringa oleifera

In sustainable farming, the use of organic fertilizers is a costly but environmentally-oriented type of soil–crop system management. Among essential microelements, cobalt (Co) deficiency commonly occurs in arid and semi-arid climatic regions suitable for the growing of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam), an economically important, multipurpose tree. Therefore, in this study, two pot experiments were conducted to identify the interaction effects of Co and organic fertilizers in modifying the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa. Each experiment consisted of 21 treatments as combinations of seven concentrations of Co (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 mg L−1) and three organic fertilizers (chicken manure, CM; farmyard manure, FYM; and compost, Comp). Co, at 7.5–12.5 mg L−1, in combination with CM, significantly increased the height, leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight of plants, as well as N, P, K, Zn, Cu, protein, total carbohydrate, total soluble solids, total phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamin C in leaves. Co was positively correlated with N, P, K, and the dry weight content in moringa leaves, and this synergistic interaction may underpin the remaining parameters enhanced by Co. The cobalt effect was dose-dependent, so the improved growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa can be managed through a proper Co dose in combination with organic fertilizer. Co and organic fertilization could be a promising strategy for improving moringa plant productivity and its biological value in conditions of sandy soils and Co deficiency.

Building Construction Labour Productivity in Arid Climate Environment

Abstract Productivity is a significant aspect of construction industry that plays vital role for success and failure of any construction project. This industry generates 11% to 13% of GDP all around the globe and the cost of labour in any building project is 20% to 35% of the cost of Building. On daily basis labour utilizes 30% of time on productive activities rest 70% of the time is ruined in non-productive activities, there are multi factors which are affecting the labour production in construction industry hence this study provides an overview of productivity, Total Factor productivity, method used to measure accurate productivity in construction projects. The objective of this study is find out percentage up to what extent labour production is affected due to weather conditions, however this study is carried out in arid climate region in Month of June 2018, where minimum temperature was recorded 26.0 Celsius degree at 7:30 AM and Maximum was 47.80 Celsius degree at 3:00 PM. A descriptive survey research design approach was adopted using continuous observation method of study. Project work study manual served as the research instrument to collect the data on selected building sites for 30 working days. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statics. The results show that average monthly production of mason gang was recorded with less production of 28.759%, Carpentry gang with average monthly loss of production 16.74% & steel fixer gang had average monthly loss of production was 12.188. This concludes that prior to signing the contract for construction project. The location, environment, topography of region, capacity of construction operatives must be kept in mind to decide the proper timeline for the successful of project.

Ancient Karez System in Afghanistan: The Perspective of Construction and Maintenance

 Ancient Karez has a history of millennium. Karez is underground tunnel which is constructed in ground by digging the main well of the system and extending underground tunnel in foothills of the mountains. This system extracts groundwater to surface by gravity without using any pumping equipment. Ancient Karez system is viable in hot, arid and semi-arid climate regions. These systems are one of the best ways of extracting groundwater by gravity in such poor regions. Minimum slope is vital for extracting groundwater to the surface in Karez system. In this study, the perspective of construction and maintenance of Karez system in Afghanistan is assessed. Information related to Karez construction and maintenance is provided in order to improve the quality of work during these processes. The Karez system cannot be used effectively if construction and maintenance processes are not carried out properly. This will affect agricultural productions, water supply and social life in the region. Some possible solutions are suggested for the mitigation of the risk of collapsing and extinction of Karez systems. Some recommendations are provided to encourage the associated organizations in Afghanistan for rehabilitation of Karez irrigation and water supply system.

Salinity types and level-based effects on the growth, physiology and nutrient contents of maize (Zea mays)

Salinity is a devastating problem of arid and semi-arid climatic regions with uneven salt accumulation which hinders growth and development of crops. The deleterious effects of salinity mainly depend on level and source of salinity. We hypothesized that types of sodium salt (NaCl and Na2SO4) might cause variable toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of different types of sodium salt (NaCl and Na2SO4), each at EC 5 and 10 dS m–1 on growth, physiology and nutrient contents of maize plant grown in earthen pots under wire house conditions. Results revealed toxic effects of salt stress on seed germination, root and shoot growth and biomass. Maize physiology in terms of sub-stomatal CO2 index, chlorophyll and relative water contents, photosynthetic and transpiration rate also reduced under salt stress. Among the types of salt and levels of salinity, NaCl applied at the rate of 10 dS m–1 caused the highest reduction in seed germination, growth and physiology due to high accumulation of Na and Cl ions whereas low in K ion in maize plant tissues. Based on the findings, we do conclude that NaCl applied at the rate of 10 dS m–1 has more negative impact on maize growth and nutrient acquisition than Na2SO4 at same level of salinity.

Estimating Groundwater Balance in the Presence of Climate Change Impact: A Case Study of Semi-Arid Area

The exploitation and management of groundwater in an integrated manner is gaining global interest. Rapid population growth is frequently linked to climate change. In order to meet the growing demand for public water supply and irrigation, especially in arid and semi-arid climate regions, groundwater is used excessively. This paper considers the Erbil province of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region as a representative case study for semi-arid climate areas where current practices of groundwater resource utilization lack a solid regulatory framework and where monitoring systems are often absent. The role of climate change in the assessment of aquifers is assessed. Long-term average recharge and extraction rates in relation to groundwater storage have been evaluated with the aim to avoid adverse long-term impacts on groundwater resources. A groundwater balance method has been used to quantify the storage of groundwater within aquifers. Results revealed that there is a considerable imbalance between the input (groundwater recharge) to the Erbil province aquifers and corresponding output (groundwater withdrawn). The reduction of losses in water use, increases in irrigation efficiency, raising of public good water-use practices, and the establishment of a regulatory framework to appropriately manage groundwater resources are outlined.

Optimization of the shading efficiency in the urban spaces in hot arid climate regions

PurposeThe contemporary urban fabrics in hot climate regions have overextended urban spaces that face problems of high heat stress due to intense solar radiation and air temperature and that cause the pedestrians to abandon the urban spaces due to thermal discomfort. This work introduced the shading effects as one of the prime factors that contribute to restore thermal comfort and attract pedestrian activities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the proportional limits of the urban space to maintain feasible shades for pedestrian activities.Design/methodology/approachThe urban space abstracted into a floor surrounded by four walls was then classified into four typologies. The assessment tool was developed to calculate the shading efficiency at the floor level of urban space. The width and the length of the floor equally was expanded in the range (0.5/0.5 to 4.0/4.0). The average shading efficiency of the expanded typologies was calculated along three intervals (Morning, midday and afternoon). The results were then analyzed, and critical guidelines were established that could be utilized in the design of the futuristic urban space and provide amendments to the existing urban space.FindingsThe paper concluded that the performance of urban spaces was not due to the accumulative performances of all walls but rather due to the combination specific effective walls in response to the interactive variations shading patterns concerning daily pedestrian activities. Any large shallow urban space could be segmented into multiples of the recommended typologies by a vertical landscape.Originality/valueIt is the first study that identified the expansion limit of the urban space that maintains feasible shades for the pedestrian. A further value of this study is establishing guidelines to the urban designers for the effective configurations of the urban space in terms of shading. These guidelines could be utilized in the design of the futuristic urban space and provide amendments to the existing urban space.

Assessment of Water Quality Profile Using Numerical Modeling Approach in Major Climate Classes of Asia.

A river water quality spatial profile has a diverse pattern of variation over different climatic regions. To comprehend this phenomenon, our study evaluated the spatial scale variation of the Water Quality Index (WQI). The study was carried out over four main climatic classes in Asia based on the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system: tropical, temperate, cold, and arid. The one-dimensional surface water quality model, QUAL2Kw was selected and compared for water quality simulations. Calibration and validation were separately performed for the model predictions over different climate classes. The accuracy of the water quality model was assessed using different statistical analyses. The spatial profile of WQI was calculated using model predictions based on dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate (NO3), and pH. The results showed that there is a smaller longitudinal variation of WQI in the cold climatic regions than other regions, which does not change the status of WQI. Streams from arid, temperate, and tropical climatic regions show a decreasing trend of DO with respect to the longitudinal profiles of main river flows. Since this study found that each climate zone has the different impact on DO dynamics such as reaeration rate, reoxygenation, and oxygen solubility. The outcomes obtained in this study are expected to provide the impetus for developing a strategy for the viable improvement of the water environment.

Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness of Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation in Arid Climate of Gujarat, India

Small reservoirs have proved as successful rainwater harvesting systems in semi-arid regions; however, their dependability in arid regions is not tested. This study aimed at evaluating cost-effectiveness of small reservoir used for supplying irrigation water to wheat and mustard crops in an arid region of India by employing three performance indicators, i.e., benefit-cost (B-C) ratio, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). In addition, sensitivity analysis of the variables influencing the economics of the reservoirs is also carried out. The actual water requirements for wheat and mustard crops over their entire life span of 110 and 95 days, respectively, are computed as 319 and 227 mm, respectively, in comparison to existing practice of excessively irrigating the crops. Fixed cost, i.e., cost of construction of the reservoir is estimated as Rs. 1,033,349, for a total storage capacity of 29,184.5 m3, whereas, the running cost, i.e., cost of cultivation for wheat and mustard, is worked out to be Rs. 41,800 and 31,100 per ha, respectively. The net benefit of Rs. 28,901 and 38,835 per ha, respectively for wheat and mustard crops clearly indicated that mustard is 34% economical over the wheat. The optimistic, pessimistic, and average unit costs of harvested rainwater over a 30-year period is calculated as Rs. 1.51, 3.03, and 2.27 m−3, respectively, which suggests that a small reservoir is a viable option for rainwater management in the arid regions. This finding is further supported from the optimum values of B-C ratio (1.01), NPV (Rs. 10,093), and IRR (10.12%). This study considered a scenario of demand-based efficient irrigation supplies with improved values of the B-C ratio (2.18), NPV (Rs. 1,330,558), and IRR (24%). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed that the grain yield is the most significant variable affecting the cost-effectiveness of the reservoir system, which needs to be carefully monitored and enhanced in order to further increase reservoir dependability in arid regions. Finally, the findings of this study are very useful for planners and decision-makers to formulate appropriate strategies for managing scarce rainwater in the study area as well as in other arid climate regions of the world.

Genomic Understanding of an Infectious Brain Disease from the Desert.

Rhinocladiella mackenziei accounts for the majority of fungal brain infections in the Middle East, and is restricted to the arid climate zone between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Neurotropic dissemination caused by this fungus has been reported in immunocompromised, but also immunocompetent individuals. If untreated, the infection is fatal. Outside of humans, the environmental niche of R. mackenziei is unknown, and the fungus has been only cultured from brain biopsies. In this paper, we describe the whole-genome resequencing of two R. mackenziei strains from patients in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We assessed intraspecies variation and genetic signatures to uncover the genomic basis of the pathogenesis, and potential niche adaptations. We found that the duplicated genes (paralogs) are more susceptible to accumulating significant mutations. Comparative genomics with other filamentous ascomycetes revealed a diverse arsenal of genes likely engaged in pathogenicity, such as the degradation of aromatic compounds and iron acquisition. In addition, intracellular accumulation of trehalose and choline suggests possible adaptations to the conditions of an arid climate region. Specifically, protein family contractions were found, including short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase SDR, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) (E-class), and the G-protein β WD-40 repeat. Gene composition and metabolic potential indicate extremotolerance and hydrocarbon assimilation, suggesting a possible environmental habitat of oil-polluted desert soil.

Interior Insulation of Walls Exposed by Polystyrene in South Algeria

Objectives: This article presents a theoretical and experimental study aimed at demonstrating the valuable role of the indoor thermal insulation of a building located in arid climate region. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Mathematical model is proposed to evaluate the effect of thermal insulation on the energy performance of the building envelope. The different temperature values of the walls and indoor air provided by the simulations are compared to those measured. It was revealed that the proposed mathematical model able to apply the real temperatures, and it is possible to carry out a study that allows showing the role of the thermal insulation. Findings: According to this study, the exposed walls provided with insulation give better results compared to the case where one or two walls isolated. The thickness of the polystyrene significantly affects the efficiency of the insulation and allows a remarkable damping of the fluctuations of the indoor air temperatures of the building. The results also show that the wall layer of polystyrene plays the role of a thermal barrier. The results indicate that in arid climate zone, heat gains through the walls certainly the main cause of overheating of buildings. One of the most important solutions of a passive house is to give high priority with regard to the performance of the thermal envelope, such as high insulation of walls. Application/Improvements: Through this model, we have been able to review some phenomena already mentioned, such as thermal storage, and to prove the effect of interior insulation on the temperature profile of walls and indoor air. Keywords: Indoor Air Temperatures, Interior Insulation, Mathematical Models, Polystyrene, Walls Exposed

A Study of Local Environment of Harran Historical Domed Houses in Terms of Environmental Sustainability

The aim of this study was to emphasize the close relationship between the local environment of the city of Harran and sustainability. In this study, the domed houses of Harran, a district in the province of Sanliurfa located in the Southeast of Turkey, were studied to investigate the natural ventilation performance, climatic data and insulation properties of the materials used in the houses. In this paper, firstly, the physical environment parameters of the region were described. Then detailed experimental studies were carried out to determine the natural ventilation characteristics of the houses. The experiments conducted in this study were carried out on one of the most preserved houses in the city. The application of natural ventilation designed in contemporary buildings maintaining harmony with nature was discussed and some recommendations on the relationship between buildings and local environment parameters were presented. We strive to find the balance between the environment, and sustainability. Vernacular Harran houses present messages good harmony of nature with human being life in concept of a healthy environment, cleaner production, climatic building design and re-usable building material. The domed houses of Harran in the hot arid climate region are noteworthy examples regarding good design for a sustainable future. Houses? extraordinary architectural features provide environmental comfort inside the houses without the need for energy consumed by air conditioning and other remedies. Harran houses are interesting samples that have reached daily life with the use of recycled materials and the construction-making period that reduces energy consumption. Houses offer solutions that respond to survival needs of inhabits as well as environmental comfort.