Urban temperatures: the urban heat island effect
City centres are measurably warmer than the surrounding countryside. This temperature difference — called the urban heat island effect — happens because buildings, roads, and human activity all generate and trap heat.
Real World
Tokyo's city centre regularly records temperatures 2–3°C higher than its rural outskirts, with the difference peaking on still, cloudless summer nights when heat stored in concrete and asphalt radiates back into the air.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, link cause to effect: name the process (e.g. thermal mass), then state the temperature consequence.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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