What does the term "urban heat island" refer to?

The term "urban heat island" refers specifically to a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities. This effect is primarily caused by factors such as the abundance of heat-absorbing materials (like asphalt and concrete), reduced vegetation, and human activities that generate heat, like transportation and industrial processes.

In urban areas, the built environment tends to absorb and retain heat more than natural landscapes. This can lead to significantly warmer temperatures in cities, especially during the night when temperatures in rural areas can drop more significantly. This temperature difference can have repercussions on energy consumption, air quality, and overall public health.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for urban planning and environmental policy as it highlights the importance of implementing strategies, such as increasing green spaces or using reflective materials in construction, to mitigate heat accumulation and improve urban climate conditions.