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Evaluation of The Urban Heat Island Effect In Charleston
As cited in literature, urban heat island (UHI) effect is the occurrence of an overall higher temperature being documented in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts within the surface and canopy layers. Additionally, the literature cites that much of this temperature difference is a result of infrastructure factors such as materials including asphalt and concrete absorbing and re-emitting the sun’s rays, urban geometry trapping the energy within the confines of the urban boundary, and large amounts of movement and activity in a small area (roadways) causing an abundance of heat waste. The UHI effect is becoming more prevalent as more land is developed, populations in cities become denser, and the use of concrete and asphalt become more widespread. The UHI impacts vulnerable communities such as the elderly and the impoverished which are more likely to feel the repercussions. The UHI effect directly impacts Charleston, my home for 11 years. I was interested in how heat varies so I can help fellow cadets and myself survive the Charleston heat as we wear grey woolen uniforms and stand outside for hours for parades. A study was conducted to examine the effects of ground cover material on microscale UHI on the campus of The Citadel. This poster discusses the results of micro-scale study.