ABSTRACT

Urbanization drastically alters the hydrologic and meteorological characteristics of watersheds. Because of the changes in surface and heat retention characteristics brought about by buildings and roads, heat islands develop in urban areas. Increases in nucleation and photoelectric gases due to urbanization result in higher smog, precipitation and related activities, and lower radiation in urban areas compared to the surrounding rural areas. Some of these meteorologic effects of urbanization are discussed by Lowry (1967) and Landsberg (1981).