Paper 1 · November 2004 · Climatology
Urban areas are typically warmer than the surrounding rural areas, an effect known as the urban heat island. Which of the following is NOT a reason for this warming?
AUrban areas typically have more vegetation and open water than rural areas, increasing cooling by evapotranspiration.
BDark tarmac and concrete surfaces absorb heat and slowly re-radiate it long after sunset.
CTall buildings trap heat and reduce wind flow that would otherwise dissipate it.
DVehicle and industrial emissions release additional heat directly into the urban atmosphere throughout both the working day and the night.
Explanation
Urban areas typically have LESS vegetation and open water than rural areas, not more, which removes a natural cooling mechanism and adds to the heat island rather than reducing it; the other three options are genuine causes of urban warming.
Derived from ZIMSEC Geography Paper 1, November 2004, Q3