2. What is a Microclimate? These are climates that exist over small areas, where the conditions of shelter, temperature, precipitation, humidity, winds, pressure and clouds are different to the general surroundings.
8. What affects the amount of solar radiation in a woodland microclimate? The temperatures decrease downwards, owing to the shading effect of the trees. The treetops of a high, dense forest can form an almost unbroken surface, which acts in a similar way to the ground. Thus, the forest floor is generally cooler than the canopy and the surrounding countryside. During the day the tree tops absorb solar radiation, resulting in high temperatures at canopy level.
9. What affects the amount of solar radiation in a woodland microclimate? Correct answer: The treetops of a high, dense forest can form an almost unbroken surface, which acts in a similar way to the ground. During the day the tree tops absorb solar radiation, resulting in high temperatures at canopy level. The temperatures decrease downwards, owing to the shading effect of the trees. Thus, the forest floor is generally cooler than the canopy and the surrounding countryside.
10. In the Summer the temperature difference can be as much as 5 degrees Celsius. At night forests retain their heat and are generally warmer than their surroundings.
11. What affects wind in a woodland microclimate? Above the canopy The canopy The trunk zone Ground level This is where the wind speeds are lowest. As the canopy is approached velocity falls rapidly. Velocity falls due to friction and the effect of low lying plants. This area is more open and there is less interference of airflow. This is where wind speeds are greatest. There are no obstacles to interfere airflow
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13. On a hot summer’s day it is noticeable that temperatures in a forest are much lower than those outside. You are no longer walking under a hot, baking sun. It feels sheltered and it may feel slightly more humid.
21. Positive values indicate that the inside of the forest was more humid. The research was undertaken by the University of Tokyo, Japan. (Briggs & Smithson p140) Difference of relative humidity (per cent) between the inside and outside of a forest 0.8 0.5 1.5 -1.1 1.6 Japanese cedar 6.8 9.5 6.5 4.8 4.8 Needle tree conifer 2.2 1.1 -0.8 3.2 3.4 Deciduous broad leaf Year October July April January Forest type
