MODULE 1. HEAT ISLAND PHENOMENON

Urban areas tend to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is called the heat island effect which is mainly due to high concentration of buildings, roads and other artificial surfaces that significantly retain heat in urban areas. Below is an example of a satellite image showing the heat island phenomenon in New York City, NY. Light or white color indicates warmer temperature in the urban center than the dark or red color of the surrounding rural areas. Vegetation, both forest and grass areas, appear to be dark / red in color because of the cooling effect of transpiration that releases water vapor into the atmosphere from the leaf surface.

Based on what you have learned from the satellite image of NYC, let us see if you can identify any evidence of heat island phenomenon in Morgantown, West Virginia. Below is an aerial photo and a satellite image of Morgantown. Let us identify on the aerial photo specific locations that are also recognizable on the satellite image. Let us identify a road network, forest patch and grass or field on the aerial photo and match these same exact spots on the satellite image. What color represents road / paved surfaces on the satellite image? Do you expect the same color for buildings and other artificial surfaces on the same map? What color represents vegetation?

Give examples of other cities in West Virginia that would exhibit heat island effect? What are the common attributes of these urban areas?