Objective Hysteresis Model Research Articles

Using clustering to understand intra-city warming in heatwaves: insights into Paris, Montreal, and Zurich

We introduce a novel methodological advancement by clustering paired near-surface air temperature with the planetary boundary layer height to characterize intra-city clusters for analytics. To illustrate this approach, we analyze three heatwaves (HWs): the 2019 HW in Paris, the 2018 HW in Montreal, and the 2017 HW in Zurich. We assess cluster-based characteristics before, during, and after heatwave events. While the urban clusters identified by this clustering align well with built-up areas obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land cover data, additional local hot spots spanning several kilometers can also be recognized, extending outside the built-up areas. Using the objective hysteresis model, we further determine the overall strength coefficient of the hysteresis loop between ground storage flux and all-wave downward radiative flux, ranging from 0.414 to 0.457 for urban clusters and from 0.126 to 0.157 for rural clusters during the heatwave periods. Across all cities, we observe a consistent refueling-restoration mode in the cumulative ground heat flux as the heatwaves progress. Future developments of this proposed two-component clustering approach, with the integration of more influential physics and advances in spatial and temporal resolutions, will offer a more comprehensive characterization of cities for urban climate analytics.

Evaluation of surface urban energy and water balance scheme (SUEWS) using scaled 2D model experiments under various seasons and sky conditions

Urban energy balance models are essential for better understanding of urban climate processes and mitigating urban heat island intensity. In this study, the Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme (SUEWS) is evaluated using scaled outdoor experiments of idealized city models consisting of street canyons (aspect ratio H/W = 2, H = 0.5) and hollow concrete building models, under various seasonal and sky conditions in a humid subtropical climate in 2020, using three evaluation approaches. The results indicate that the model effectively simulates net all-wave radiation (Q∗), with the coefficient of determination (R2) exceeding 0.970. Storage heat flux (ΔQS) derived from the Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) is compared to those obtained from the residual term method (RTM) and element surface temperature method (ESTM), revealing the RTM tend to overestimate ΔQS compared to the observation-based ESTM. Compared to using default OHM coefficients, applying fitted OHM coefficients obtained under seasons and sky conditions improves the simulations of ΔQS and sensible heat flux (QH), reducing statistical errors by approximately 50% for ΔQS and increasing R2 in rainy summer from 0.353 to 0.793 for QH, respectively. Additionally, the improved available energy simulation suggests the importance of accurately partitioning between QH and latent heat flux (QE) for the future development of SUEWS.

Estimating Ground Heat Flux from Net Radiation

Ground heat flux may play an important role in surface energy balance. In this study we evaluate the performance of the objective hysteresis model (OHM) for estimating ground heat flux from net radiation and compare it with the linear regression model. The experimental sites include residential roofs (concrete), campus grassland, agricultural grassland, and peat bog. Our field measurements show that the mean partition coefficient from net radiation to ground heat flux varied from 0.47 (concrete roof) to 0.079 (agricultural grassland). The mean hysteresis (lag) factors for residential roof, campus grassland, and peat bog were 0.55, 0.26, and −0.11 h, respectively; and the hysteresis factor at the agricultural site was only 0.032 h. However, the partition and hysteresis coefficients in the OHM were found to vary with time for the same surface. Our measurements and analysis show that when the hysteresis factor is larger than 0.11 h, ground heat flux estimates from net radiation can be improved (17–37% reduction in the root mean square error) by using OHM instead of a simple linear regression model.

Measurements and simulations of energy fluxes over a high-rise and compact urban area in Hong Kong

Measuring energy fluxes in a dense and high-rise urban area is extremely challenging, thus our knowledge in such area remains limited. This study assessed the surface energy fluxes and investigated the energy balance closure (EBC) over such complex urban surface in Hong Kong. Net radiation (QN), sensible (QH) and latent (QE) heat fluxes were measured using an eddy covariance system from September 2018 to August 2019. Anthropogenic heat flux (QF) was simulated by a large-scale urban energy model (i.e., LUCY) and validated by an anthropogenic heat database (i.e., AHE_KL). Storage heat flux (QS) was estimated by an objective hysteresis model (OHM). Among five energy terms, QF showed the largest values of around 750 Wm−2 especially in the afternoon. Whereas, QE varying within 150 Wm−2 showed the smallest values. The variation range of net radiation, sensible heat flux and storage heat was respectively from −50 to 600, 0 to 450 and −30 to 300 W m−2. EBC generally showed a negative relationship with surface heterogeneity. Best EBC was observed in the direction with a relatively constant and large aspect ratio, and with the most occurrence of unstable stratifications. The uncertainties of QH and QE fluxes were respectively estimated to be approximately 8% and 7%. The result of LUCY was consistent with that of AHE_KL. EBC was not sensitive to different coefficients estimating QS. This study helped to fill a gap in our understanding of surface energy and turbulent fluxes in compact cities with high-rise buildings and shed insights into the future installation of eddy covariance tower in similar areas. The required height of the eddy covariance tower in such urban sites might not be as restrictive as that in other urban areas with low-rise buildings or with low building density, thus making it more feasible to set up such observation towers.

PATTERNS OF ENERGY EXCHANGE FOR TROPICAL URBAN AND RURAL ECOSYSTEMS LOCATED IN BRAZIL CENTRAL

Seasonality and inter-annual variation of the energy balance of natural surfaces as the effect of conversion from natural to agricultural areas has been the object of much in-depth research in South America. However, none has assessed the effect of conversion from a native to an urbanized area. Current research was performed in the city of Cuiabá, in the Cerrado-Pantanal ecotone, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil, featuring a tropical sub-humid climate (Aw). The paper investigates the pattern of energy fluxes exchanges in the rural and urban sites located in Brazilian savannah ecosystem. The heat stored inside the urban canopy (ΔQS) and within the rural area was obtained by the Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) and by soil flux meter, respectively. Sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes were estimated by the Bowen Ratio Energy Balance (BREB). The rural and urban sites had different patterns in the micrometeorology variables Wind speed decreased and air temperature and vapor pressure deficit increased from rural to urban site. The urbanization also modified the energy fluxes partition of urban canopy by increasing ΔQs (12%) and H (60%) and by decreasing LE (29%), with β = 2.0 in contrast of rural canopy, where the partition was ΔQs (1.5%), H (29%), LE (64%) and β = 0.45. The ΔQS, H and LE were in phase with Rn, differing from what has been reported for sites in North America and Europe.

PATTERNS OF ENERGY EXCHANGE FOR TROPICAL URBAN AND RURAL ECOSYSTEMS LOCATED IN BRAZIL CENTRAL

Seasonality and inter-annual variation of the energy balance of natural surfaces as the effect of conversion from natural to agricultural areas has been the object of much in-depth research in South America. However, none has assessed the effect of conversion from a native to an urbanized area. Current research was performed in the city of Cuiabá, in the Cerrado-Pantanal ecotone, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil, featuring a tropical sub-humid climate (Aw). The paper investigates the pattern of energy fluxes exchanges in the rural and urban sites located in Brazilian savannah ecosystem. The heat stored inside the urban canopy (ΔQS) and within the rural area was obtained by the Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) and by soil flux meter, respectively. Sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes were estimated by the Bowen Ratio Energy Balance (BREB). The rural and urban sites had different patterns in the micrometeorology variables Wind speed decreased and air temperature and vapor pressure deficit increased from rural to urban site. The urbanization also modified the energy fluxes partition of urban canopy by increasing ΔQs (12%) and H (60%) and by decreasing LE (29%), with β = 2.0 in contrast of rural canopy, where the partition was ΔQs (1.5%), H (29%), LE (64%) and β = 0.45. The ΔQS, H and LE were in phase with Rn, differing from what has been reported for sites in North America and Europe.

Local-Scale Urban Energy Balance Observation under Various Sky Conditions in a Humid Subtropical Region

AbstractThe present study presents local-scale urban energy balance observations under various sky conditions in a humid subtropical region. The study site is a typical urban residential area in Guangzhou in which building density is 38%, vegetation coverage is 36%, and mean building height is 21 m. The observation was conducted at a 110-m-high tower using the eddy covariance technique from September to November 2016. The median diurnal pattern and daily maxima were achieved for all radiation components and turbulent fluxes. The Bowen ratio (β) results indicated a predominant role for sensible heat flux (QH) in the daytime and latent heat flux (QE) at night. The sky conditions played a significant part in the urban surface energy exchanges, showing that the median daily maxima of net radiation (Q*), QH, storage heat flux (ΔQS), surface albedo, and β all present a consistent order from large to small for clear, cloudy, and rainy days and a different order of rainy, clear, and cloudy days for QE. The mean daytime QH/Q*, QE/Q*, ΔQS/Q*, and β changed with urban density, while QE/Q* and β also varied with vegetation fraction. Furthermore, the adaptability of net all-wave radiation parameterization (NARP), objective hysteresis model (OHM), and local-scale urban meteorological parameterization scheme (LUMPS) were validated, given the index of agreements of 0.998 and 0.951 for Q* and ΔQS and the reasonable RMSEs for QH and QE. The present study helps to verify and improve the parameterizations of energy exchange over an urban surface in the humid subtropical region.

A New Model to Downscale Urban and Rural Surface and Air Temperatures Evaluated in Shanghai, China

AbstractA simple model, the Surface Temperature and Near-Surface Air Temperature (at 2 m) Model (TsT2m), is developed to downscale numerical model output (such as from ECMWF) to obtain higher-temporal- and higher-spatial-resolution surface and near-surface air temperature. It is evaluated in Shanghai, China. Surface temperature (Ts) and near-surface air temperature (Ta) submodels account for variations in land cover and their different thermal properties, resulting in spatial variations of surface and air temperature. The net all-wave radiation parameterization (NARP) scheme is used to compute net wave radiation for the surface temperature submodel, the objective hysteresis model (OHM) is used to calculate the net storage heat fluxes, and the surface temperature is obtained by the force-restore method. The near-surface air temperature submodel considers the horizontal and vertical energy changes for a column of well-mixed air above the surface. Modeled surface temperatures reproduce the general pattern of MODIS images well, while providing more detailed patterns of the surface urban heat island. However, the simulated surface temperatures capture the warmer urban land cover and are 10.3°C warmer on average than those derived from the coarser MODIS data. For other land-cover types, values are more similar. Downscaled, higher-temporal- and higher-spatial-resolution air temperatures are compared to observations at 110 automatic weather stations across Shanghai. After downscaling with TsT2m, the average forecast accuracy of near-surface air temperature is improved by about 20%. The scheme developed has considerable potential for prediction and mitigation of urban climate conditions, particularly for weather and climate services related to heat stress.

Attribution and mitigation of heat wave-induced urban heat storage change

When the urban heat island (UHI) effect coincides with a heat wave (HW), thermal stress in cities is exacerbated. Understanding the surface energy balance (SEB) responses to HWs is critical for improving predictions of the synergies between UHIs and HWs. This study evaluates observed SEB characteristics in four cities (Beijing, Łódź, London and Swindon), along with their ambient meteorological conditions, for both HW and background summer climate scenarios. Using the Analytical Objective Hysteresis Model (AnOHM), particular emphasis is on the heat storage. The results demonstrate that in London and Swindon the amount of daytime heat storage and its fraction relative to the net all-wave radiation increase under HWs. Results further demonstrate that such increases are strongly tied to lower wind speeds. The effects of different UHI mitigation measures on heat storage are assessed using AnOHM. Results reveal that use of reflective materials and maintaining higher soil moisture availability can offset the adverse effects of increased heat storage.

The Analytical Objective Hysteresis Model (AnOHM v1.0): methodology to determine bulk storage heat flux coefficients

Abstract. The net storage heat flux (ΔQS) is important in the urban surface energy balance (SEB) but its determination remains a significant challenge. The hysteresis pattern of the diurnal relation between the ΔQS and net all-wave radiation (Q∗) has been captured in the Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) parameterization of ΔQS. Although successfully used in urban areas, the limited availability of coefficients for OHM hampers its application. To facilitate use, and enhance physical interpretations of the OHM coefficients, an analytical solution of the one-dimensional advection–diffusion equation of coupled heat and liquid water transport in conjunction with the SEB is conducted, allowing development of AnOHM (Analytical Objective Hysteresis Model). A sensitivity test of AnOHM to surface properties and hydrometeorological forcing is presented using a stochastic approach (subset simulation). The sensitivity test suggests that the albedo, Bowen ratio and bulk transfer coefficient, solar radiation and wind speed are most critical. AnOHM, driven by local meteorological conditions at five sites with different land use, is shown to simulate the ΔQS flux well (RMSE values of ∼ 30 W m−2). The intra-annual dynamics of OHM coefficients are explored. AnOHM offers significant potential to enhance modelling of the surface energy balance over a wider range of conditions and land covers.

Surface energy exchange in a dense urban built-up area based on two-year eddy covariance measurements in Sakai, Japan

Two-year measurements of the surface energy balance were conducted using the eddy covariance method of a dense urban built-up area in Sakai, Osaka, Japan to identify the diurnal, seasonal, and annual variations in the surface energy exchange. The latent heat flux significantly increased with increasing air temperature above a threshold mean daily air temperature (17°C) during the summer months. High air temperatures can induce increased cooling loads in the buildings and high anthropogenic water vapor emissions. At the diurnal timescale, the storage heat flux obtained from the residual term of energy balance equation was the most important factor of the urban energy exchange; the maximum fractions of the net radiation were 69% during the day and 173% at night. In contrast, turbulent heat fluxes and anthropogenic heat flux were important at the seasonal and annual timescales. Bootstrapping quantified the potential magnitudes of the uncertainties in the coefficients in the objective hysteresis model, which were 30–50% of the average storage heat fluxes at the diurnal timescale, 40–80% at the daily timescale, and 80–260% at the annual timescale.

The urban energy balance of a lightweight low-rise neighborhood in Andacollo, Chile

Worldwide, the majority of rapidly growing neighborhoods are found in the Global South. They often exhibit different building construction and development patterns than the Global North, and urban climate research in many such neighborhoods has to date been sparse. This study presents local-scale observations of net radiation (Q*) and sensible heat flux (QH) from a lightweight low-rise neighborhood in the desert climate of Andacollo, Chile, and compares observations with results from a process-based urban energy-balance model (TUF3D) and a local-scale empirical model (LUMPS) for a 14-day period in autumn 2009. This is a unique neighborhood-climate combination in the urban energy-balance literature, and results show good agreement between observations and models for Q* and QH. The unmeasured latent heat flux (QE) is modeled with an updated version of TUF3D and two versions of LUMPS (a forward and inverse application). Both LUMPS implementations predict slightly higher QE than TUF3D, which may indicate a bias in LUMPS parameters towards mid-latitude, non-desert climates. Overall, the energy balance is dominated by sensible and storage heat fluxes with mean daytime Bowen ratios of 2.57 (observed QH/LUMPS QE)–3.46 (TUF3D). Storage heat flux (ΔQS) is modeled with TUF3D, the empirical objective hysteresis model (OHM), and the inverse LUMPS implementation. Agreement between models is generally good; the OHM-predicted diurnal cycle deviates somewhat relative to the other two models, likely because OHM coefficients are not specified for the roof and wall construction materials found in this neighborhood. New facet-scale and local-scale OHM coefficients are developed based on modeled ΔQS and observed Q*. Coefficients in the empirical models OHM and LUMPS are derived from observations in primarily non-desert climates in European/North American neighborhoods and must be updated as measurements in lightweight low-rise (and other) neighborhoods in various climates become available.

The energy budget of the urban surface: two locations in Dublin

Urban areas generate distinctive climates that are revealed in the statistics of wind, temperature, humidity and so on. These properties are the result of energy exchanges between the atmosphere and underlying urban surface, which is the focus of physical climatology studies. These exchanges form an energy budget (EB), which includes radiation exchanges (both solar and terrestrial), the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat and the energy transferred to the substrate by conduction. An evaluation of these exchanges and their spatial variation is essential to explaining the effect that cities have on climate at all scales. However, observing these exchanges is difficult and requires both sensitive equipment and careful placement to ensure representative readings. This paper presents some initial results on the EB over two urban surfaces in Dublin, one a densely built urban site near the city centre and the other a mature, well vegetated, suburban site. The results demonstrate the effects of different urban surface features on surface-air exchanges. The objective hysteresis model is also employed to evaluate the energy balance residual. Results show good agreement between modelled and residual values. Although there have been studies on Dublin’s urban climate, most notably its urban heat island (UHI), there has been no prior study of the energetic processes responsible for this local climate change. This research programme, for which initial results are presented in this paper, is one of the few studies globally that will maintain long-term measurements (five years) of urban EBs.

Diurnal variation in stored energy flux in São Paulo city, Brazil

This work describes the diurnal variation in energy flux storage in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Monthly average hourly values for the storage of energy flux were estimated using the energy balance residual and parameterisation methods. The energy balance residual method used in situ observations of net all-wave radiation and turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat. The anthropogenic heat flux and horizontal net heat advection were not considered. The parameterisation method, based on the objective hysteresis model, used net all-wave radiation and land use information inferred from a 1-km radius area centred at the main observational site. Using the residual balance method, the maximum diurnal evolution in monthly average hourly values of energy flux storage occurred approximately 2h earlier than the net all-wave radiation. Using the parameterisation method to estimate energy flux storage, the daytime integrated values correspondedto approximately 51% of the net all-wave radiation and daily values to approximately 27%. The diurnal evolution in urban heat island intensity, based on monthly average values, reached a maximum intensity of 3.3°C and a minimum of, did not show a correlation with the energy flux storage during the time period considered in this work.

The energy budget of the urban surface: two locations in Dublin

Urban areas generate distinctive climates that are revealed in the statistics of wind, temperature, humidity and so on. These properties are the result of energy exchanges between the atmosphere and underlying urban surface, which is the focus of physical climatology studies. These exchanges form an energy budget (EB), which includes radiation exchanges (both solar and terrestrial), the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat and the energy transferred to the substrate by conduction. An evaluation of these exchanges and their spatial variation is essential to explaining the effect that cities have on climate at all scales. However, observing these exchanges is difficult and requires both sensitive equipment and careful placement to ensure representative readings. This paper presents some initial results on the EB over two urban surfaces in Dublin, one a densely built urban site near the city centre and the other a mature, well vegetated, suburban site. The results demonstrate the effects of different urban surface features on surface-air exchanges. The objective hysteresis model is also employed to evaluate the energy balance residual. Results show good agreement between modelled and residual values. Although there have been studies on Dublin’s urban climate, most notably its urban heat island (UHI), there has been no prior study of the energetic processes responsible for this local climate change. This research programme, for which initial results are presented in this paper, is one of the few studies globally that will maintain long-term measurements (five years) of urban EBs.

Modelling the ground heat flux of an urban area using remote sensing data

During the Basel Urban Boundary Layer Experiment (BUBBLE) conducted in 2002, micrometeorological in-situ data were collected for different sites using a variety of instruments. This provides a unique data set for urban climate studies. Nevertheless, the spatial distribution of energy and heat fluxes can only be taken into account with remote sensing methods or numerical models. Therefore, multiple satellite images from different platforms (NOAA-AVHRR, MODIS and LANDSAT ETM+) were acquired, processed and analysed. In addition, a high resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and a 1 m resolution digital surface model (DSM) of a large part of the city of Basel was utilized. This paper focuses on the calculation and modelling of the ground (or storage) heat flux density using remotely sensed data combined with in-situ measurements using three different approaches. First, an empirical regression function was generated to estimate the storage heat flux from NDVI values second approach used the Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) which is often used for in-situ measurements. The last method used information of the geometric parameters of urban street canyons, computed from the high resolution digital urban surface model.

Comparison of Four Methods to Estimate Urban Heat Storage

Abstract The relative performance of four independent methods to estimate the magnitude and diurnal behavior of net heat storage fluxes (ΔQS) in a city center is assessed. This heat flux is a significant but understudied component of the urban surface energy balance (SEB). Direct measurement of this SEB term at the local scale (horizontal length scale ∼102–104 m) is practically unattainable primarily because of the complex array of materials and the three-dimensionality of urban systems. Results of an 8-day summertime observational study at a site in the center of Marseille, France, are presented. This locale is an ideal environment for such research because of the warm, dry climate (hence the SEB is dominated by sensible heat exchanges) and the high density of tall buildings with thick walls (hence it has a large thermal mass that favors heat storage as a component of the SEB). Estimates of ΔQS derived as residuals in the SEB, after the remaining terms are measured directly, (termed RES) are compared with those calculated from a parameterization scheme [objective hysteresis model (OHM)], a local-scale numerical model [Town Energy Balance model (TEB)], and a bulk heat transfer method [thermal mass scheme (TMS)]. Inputs to the methods include observed meteorological data and morphometric properties of the urban site. All approaches yield a similar diurnal course. The OHM and TEB methods tend to slightly overestimate storage uptake by day when compared with the RES, whereas TMS slightly underestimates it. All methods underestimate heat storage release at night when compared with RES and show some sensitivity to wind speed, especially above about 5 m s−1. OHM estimates perform satisfactorily in the mean but miss short-term variability and are poor at night. TEB simulations show the best agreement with RES results, particularly at night. TMS values are comparable to those from the other methods, but its extensive input requirements render it almost impractical. Overall, the convergence of results is reassuring but the lack of a standard for quantifying heat storage and the spread of results mean this term remains a source of imprecision in urban energy balance measurement and modeling.

Turbulent Heat Fluxes in Urban Areas: Observations and a Local-Scale Urban Meteorological Parameterization Scheme (LUMPS)

Abstract A linked set of simple equations specifically designed to calculate heat fluxes for the urban environment is presented. This local-scale urban meteorological parameterization scheme (LUMPS), which has similarities to the hybrid plume dispersion model (HPDM) scheme, requires only standard meteorological observations and basic knowledge of surface cover. LUMPS is driven by net all-wave radiation. Heat storage by the urban fabric is parameterized from net all-wave radiation and surface cover information using the objective hysteresis model (OHM). The turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes are calculated using the available energy and are partitioned using the approach of de Bruin and Holtslag, and Holtslag and van Ulden. A new scheme to define the Holtslag and van Ulden α and β parameters for urban environments is presented; α is empirically related to the plan fraction of the surface that is vegetated or irrigated, and a new urban value of β captures the observed delay in reversal of the sign of...

Heat Storage in Urban Areas: Local-Scale Observations and Evaluation of a Simple Model

The flux density of sensible heat to or from storage in the physical mass of the city is determined for seven cities (Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; Mexico City, Distrito Federal; Miami, Florida; Sacramento, California; Tucson, Arizona; and Vancouver, British Columbia) in North America across a 308 latitudinal range. These cities have a variety of synoptic-scale climates and surface cover and structural morphologies. In all cases the ‘‘measured’’ storage heat flux is determined as the energy balance residual from direct observations of net all-wave radiation, and sensible and latent heat fluxes conducted using the same radiometer and eddy correlation techniques. Databases describing the surface characteristics around each site are developed from analysis of aerial photography and field surveys. Results indicate that storage heat flux is a significant component of the surface energy balance at all sites and is greatest at downtown and light industrial sites. Hysteresis behavior, of varying degrees, is seen at all locations. A simple objective hysteresis model (OHM), which calculates storage heat flux as a function of net all-wave radiation and the surface properties of the site, is found to perform well in the mean for most cases, with the notable exception of Tucson; but considerable scatter is observed at some sites. Some of this is attributed to the moisture, wind, and synoptic controls at each of the sites, and to hour-to-hour variability in the convective fluxes that the OHM does not simulate. Averaging over 2 to 3 h may be a more appropriate way to use the model. Caution should be used when employing the OHM in windy environments.

Modifying a Mesoscale Meteorological Model to Better Incorporate Urban Heat Storage: A Bulk-Parameterization Approach

Abstract A simple bulk-parameterization scheme is implemented in modifying a mesoscale meteorological model to better incorporate urban heat storage. The objective is to improve the quantification of the fluxes associated with heat storage change and to more explicitly account for the integrated effect of urban canopy layer fluxes on the overlying boundary layer. The approach involves integrating an Objective Hysteresis Model with a meteorological model, which, in this case, is the Colorado State University Mesoscale Model (CSUMM). When the resulting modified version of the model (MM) is applied to the Atlanta, Georgia, region, larger daytime urban heat islands are predicted (∼1.5°C larger) than with the nonmodified version of CSUMM. The largest simulated summer daytime Atlanta heat island for the modeling episode of 25–27 July is 1.4°C with CSUMM and 2.9°C with MM. The impacts of surface modifications, such as changes in urban albedo, on air temperature are slightly larger in MM than in CSUMM.