Natural Sciences

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Browsing Natural Sciences by Author "Chikomborero, Dupxa D"

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    Factors affecting the spatial and temporal variation in temperature patterns in Lusaka and its Environs
    (2015-06-15) Chikomborero, Dupxa D
    Global temperature patterns have been reported to have been significantly altering. Climate change has become a topic of great importance and problems of temperature calamities of both small and large scales have increased. Human beings have been intruding on the natural temperature patterns, altering surfaces and replacing them with ones with high thermal capacities. Aerosol generation has increased resulting in an emphasis on the green - house effect. Unfortunately, however, the dynamics of these operations in developing countries have not been well documented and there is a need for more information in these areas. This study set out to investigate the possibility of human - induced change in temperature patterns in a developing world city like Lusaka and to describe the factors that cause such a scenario. Both primary and secondary data were used to achieve the objectives, with the use of isotherms to help define the heat island and identify the main areas that influence it. The results showed that there is a possibility of the heat island occurring in Lusaka, though it may be of smaller proportions compared to those in developed world cities. Heavy industrial and high-density residential areas were shown to be the main areas of influence and time was also seen to be a significant factor in influencing the intensity of the heat island. The building of concrete surfaces, removal of vegetation, generation of heat from domestic and industrial sources and of aerosols in the urban area were identified as being the probable causes of the situation obtaining. Options for reducing the impact include the increase in green areas, increased use of renewable resources, and the control of population dynamics.