microclimate study done by: wang xiang yu sun tian ze thio leng kiat zhao xing yu

Microclimate StudyDone by: Wang Xiang Yu

Sun Tian Ze Thio Leng Kiat

Zhao Xing Yu

IntroductionOver the period of two sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes, our group has

gathered and compiled data from 7 different spots in the school compound.

Hypothesis:Areas with concrete surfaces are hotter than non-concrete

places.

Area 1: Multi-Storey Car ParkThe top level of the Multi-Storey Car Park:• Exposed to sunlight• Has no shade apart from the occasional clouds• The surface is mainly made of concrete and tar.

Area 2: Eco-GardenThe garden:• Wide variety plants ranging from small bushes to tall trees• Area is small in size• Buildings and trees near the eco-garden provide little to no shade.• The walkway near the garden is also made of concrete and stone.

Area 3: Open SpaceOpen space near canteen:• Well shielded from the sun• The trees, which has long branches, and Block C, provide much shade;with

the clouds they can keep the whole area almost fully shaded• The tiles and steps are also made of concrete and stone.

Area 4: TerracesThe terraces:• Mainly situated at a high elevation point• The top of the terraces is covered by the trees and thus has very little

sunlight;however, apart from that, the place is fully exposed to the sun with only the clouds to use as cover

• Due to that, the place also enjoys a steady and strong breeze which helps to cool the place.

• It is also made with concrete and stone.

Area 5: FieldThe field:• A very large, open space covered with grass and receives much • Sunlight• Much cooler than concrete areas as the vegetation evapotranspire,

lowering surface and air temperatures• The area receives a lot of sunlight and has a strong cool breeze blowing

with nothing blocking its path.

Area 6: Running TrackThe running track:• Made of synthetic rubber and outlines the entire field• Has no shade and thus is exposed to a lot of sunlight and so one will feel

quite hot during the day.

Area 7: FountainThe fountain:• Has a small water body, and a moderate amount of vegetation nearby• The area surrounding the fountain and the fountain itself is mainly made of

concrete or stone tiles• The water has a large thermal capacity, allowing it to store lots of thermal

energy on hotter days and so keeps the surrounding cooler• Thus, even though the area is subjected to direct sunlight, it is still quite cooling.

Data of temperatures(1)Day 1/Date: 14/1/14 Time Conducted: 0800-0900 Sites Temperature 15cm 1.5m above above ground groundA 26.9 27.2B 27.1 27.2C 27.3 27.4D 26.2 26.3E 26.6 26.9F 27.2 27.5G 27.1 27.2

Data of temperatures(2)Day 2/ Date: 16/1/14 Time conducted: 1245-1300Sites Temperature 15cm 1.5m From the data analysed, we can above above infer that at a later time of the ground ground day, the temperatures at the A 30.5 30.7 respective sites are observed B 30.8 30.9 to be hotted than at an earlierC 29.7 30.0 time of the day(morning).D 30.6 29.5E 31.7 31.7F 31.5 32.3G 30.9 30.9

Factors Affecting Temp.1. Latitude2. Altitude3. Distance from water body4. Wind5. Humidity6. Cloud Cover7. Land Surface

RankingWe have ranked the places according to their temperature, with 1 being the

hottest and 7 being the coolest. (Places in red are made of concrete)

1. Running Track (F): 29.62. Field (E): 29.23. Garden (B) : 29.04. Fountain (G): 29.05. MCSP (A): 28.86. Terraces (D): 28.27. Open Space (C): 28.6

Hypothesis correctionOur hypothesis is incorrect. The hottest areas were not concrete areas but

areas like the field and the track. Human error, experiment errors and time would have affected the surrounding

temperature. Fortunately it didn’t rain on the days we conducted the experiment, thus rainfall should not be one of the factors.

We could be more precise and accurate in collecting data the next time and maybe do the experiments a few more times to ensure our data is accurate and reliable.

Thanks All