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They may be created by: | They may be created by: | ||
* bodies of water which cool the air, | * bodies of water which cool the air, | ||
* dark colored [[hard surfaces]] such as brick, concrete, and asphalt, which absorb [[solar energy]], become hot, and then heat the surrounding air - | * dark colored [[hard surfaces]] such as brick, concrete, and asphalt, which absorb [[solar energy]], become hot, and then heat the surrounding air - for example the [[urban heat island]] | ||
* landforms which redirect, channel or slow down the prevailing [[wind]]. | * landforms which redirect, channel or slow down the prevailing [[wind]]. | ||
* slope - South-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere and North-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive more direct sunlight and are thus warmer. | * slope - South-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere and North-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive more direct sunlight and are thus warmer. | ||
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[[Category:Climate]] | [[Category:Climate]] | ||
[[Category:Permaculture]] |
Revision as of 21:47, 9 March 2017
A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone with a climate differing from the surrounding area. It may be only a square meter, e.g. part of a garden, or square kilometers in size.
They may be created by:
- bodies of water which cool the air,
- dark colored hard surfaces such as brick, concrete, and asphalt, which absorb solar energy, become hot, and then heat the surrounding air - for example the urban heat island
- landforms which redirect, channel or slow down the prevailing wind.
- slope - South-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere and North-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive more direct sunlight and are thus warmer.
- walls and buildings, which intentionally or accidentally block sun and wind, and sometimes channel wind.
This is not only a critical factor to account for in sustainable design, but good design also improves the microclimate. Permaculture includes a focus on influencing the microclimate.
A walled garden is a clear example of a microclimate, protected from wind and potentially protected from frost.