HEAT ISLAND

Concrete, asphalt, and other surfaces in urban areas absorb heat from the sun and re-radiate it. This creates what is known as a “heat island.” Urban areas tend to be 5-9 degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas because of this phenomenon.  

Use the links below to research information about heat island. As you conduct your research, evaluate the source of the information. What bias might it have? Is it primary research or does it restate someone else's research?
 

Issue Information

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Heat Island Effect
  http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Trees and Vegetation
  http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/strategies/vegetation.html

• Planet Power - Energy and the Environment
  http://www.treepower.org/heatisland.html

• NASA - Welcome to Thunder Dome
  http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/essd26apr99_1.htm

• NASA - Here Comes Urban Heat
  http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/essd16mar_1m.htm

Potential Searches
Type the following into a search engine to explore other possible sources of information about your issue.

• heat island

• heat island + trees

RETURN TO PROCESS - Step 2

This WebQuest is part of the LEAF Urban Forest Lesson Guide, 9-12 unit - Lesson 3
WebQuest developed by the LEAF Program: www.uwsp.edu/cnr/leaf
Website comments: leaf@uwsp.edu