Crete-Fieldwork-final-report print version

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Mediterranean Environments:
Geomorphological and Human
Perspective
5EV503
Micro-climates of Ilingas Gorge
Alexander Ball (100366783)
Connor Spruce (100358074)
Katie Malbon (100368388)
Elizabeth Fletcher (100322112)
Ronnie Woollaston (100365464)

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Contents
1.0 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................3
1.1 Aims and objectives ......................................................................................................3
1.2 Feasibility ......................................................................................................................3
2.0 Methodology .....................................................................................................................3
3.0 Observations of climatic variables....................................................................................5
3.1 Location 1- Beach .........................................................................................................6
3.2 Location 2- Entrance to Gorge......................................................................................7
3.3 Location 3- Initial step up..............................................................................................8
3.4 Location 4- Concrete Ridge up.....................................................................................9
3.5 Location 5- Start of concrete wall .............................................................................10
3.6 Location 6- Bridge......................................................................................................11
3.7 Location 7- After the Bridge ........................................................................................12
3.8 Location 8- First Wide Bend .......................................................................................13
3.9 Location 9- Cut in the gorge wall ................................................................................14
3.10 Location 10- Tree Island ...........................................................................................15
3.11 Location 11- Before the narrowing of the gorge.......................................................16
3.12 Location 12- Narrowing in the gorge ........................................................................17
3.13 Location 13- Tree and vegetation cluster .................................................................18
3.14 Location 14- Narrowest point in the gorge ...............................................................19
3.15 Location 15- After the narrowing ..............................................................................20
3.16 Location 16- Stripped Trees .....................................................................................21
3.17 Location 17- Landslide with trees .............................................................................22
3.18 Location 18- Boulders ...............................................................................................23
3.19 Location 19- Landslide blockade ..............................................................................24
4.0 Analysis of climatic variables..........................................................................................25
4.1 Analysis of Light Intensity (LUX) South to North. .......................................................25
4.2 Analysis of Air Temperature (℃) South to North........................................................26
4.3 Analysis of Wind Speed (m/s) South to North............................................................27
4.4 Analysis of Relative Humidity (%) South to North......................................................28
5.0 Presence of a Microclimate...............................................................................................29
6.0 Conclusion .........................................................................................................................30
7.0 Reference...........................................................................................................................31
8.0 Appendix ............................................................................................................................32

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1.0 Introduction
The Ilingas gorge is located along the South coast of Crete in the Sphakia Bay (Goetz,2015)
approximately 1km from the village of Chora Sphakia (see figure 1). The gorge is 8km in length
and the trend is South to North off the coastline. The surface and topography of the gorge is
very irregular with many braided channels, a wide variety of sediment that ranges from small
rocks to very large boulders and tall, steep sides. There is also very little vegetation in the
gorge itself towards the South, there is only a few shrubs and trees, the further up the gorge
there is more vegetation as shown, however up on the sides of the gorge there is a large
amount foliage as can be seen in figure 1.
1.1 Aims and objectives
Whilstthere at Ilingas Gorge, the aim was to answerthe question ‘Do distinctive microclimates
exist within gorge systems?’. Throughout this report, the term microclimate will be referred to
a small area with a distinct climate that contrasts with that of the surrounding area
(Barter,2008). There are several climatic variables that will be tested to see whether
microclimates are present in the gorge; these include wind speed, humidity, temperature, and
light intensity. The objective was to collect critical amount of data including; collecting light
intensity, to collect data for air temperature, to collect wind speed and the relative humidity. A
final objective was to observe the surrounding area, recording field observations to help give
us a better understanding of the possible changes while ascending the gorge i.e morphology
and life, that might allow us to assess the question further. The last objective was to ‘establish
whether the gorge can be compartmentalised’ (Pope, 2016).
1.2 Feasibility
The feasibility of this project is simple enough to do with the equipment provided and having
more the two people to do the collection of the data, the whole group knew what they were
doing as it was planned the day before with a project outline form (see appendix 40), there
were problems when ascending up the gorge, including a landslide after area 19 producing a
unsuitable route to the reaches further up the gorge.
2.0 Methodology
The group visited 19 samplingpoints based on the decision that there was a distinctive change
in the climate, due to morphological and other observations in the gorge, over one day
between the times of 09:13 to 15:00hrs. The recording points were identified by field
photographs, field sketches, GPS co-ordinates and observations were noted about each
location and each location was named to create an individual identity for the gorge areas. The
measurements taken at each location were temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), wind
speed (m/s) and light intensity (LUX). This involved taking three measurements from the left,
centre and right of the gorge to produce an average for each location and to reduce the impact
of the anomalies, for example in appendix 1 there is an anomaly in the second left light
intensity reading, the measurements were taken at arms length to reduce impacting the
climate and give an accurate representation of the area. The data collected was recorded in
tables and analysed the asses is there is a presence of different microclimates within the gorge
system. Further advantages and disadvantages of data collection methods are stated in table
1. The equipment used to collect the data was an Visali Temperature/Relative Humidity Probe,
Anemometer, Light Meter, and a Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) (Pope, 2016).

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Figure 1: Ilingas Gorge, Sphakia Bay
Aerial view [0.8:20000] (Google Maps,2016)

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Table 1 (Fletcher at al., 2016) Advantages and disadvantages of data collection methods.
(Clifford,2010; Kitchin and Tate, 2000; McNamara,2006)
3.0 Observations of climatic variables

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3.1 Location 1- Beach
0238197 3899257
Time- 9:15
On the left (L), there are small rocks and pebbles on a flat surface with a bigger incline than
the centre but less than on the right. The ridge is low than the right with no signs of life in this
area. In the centre (C), there are large boulder with sand and pebbles with a relative flat
surface with an acute incline. To the right (R) the sediment is small with pebbles and small
boulders. The right side is the steeper side of the gorge and is shaded.
Table 2 (Ball,2016), Analysis of climatic data results.
Table 3 (Ball,2016) Climate average
Air Temperature- The air temperature as shown in table 3 shows that there is an average
from the left and right of the area as shown in table 3. With only a small fluctuation to the
left. This is because of the sun's positioning, which casts a shadow on the right of this area.
Relative Humidity- The humidity as shown in table 3 correlates with the air temperature. The
centre however dips. This is because of the lack of cover in this area. Katabatic air can
move more freely through the centre therefore reduces the humidity in this section.
Wind Speed- Wind speed in table 3 is low relative to other sections. This is due to the
dimensions of the gorge at this point. The gorge being at the widest allows air to not be
funnelled into a certain point. The wind speed is therefore at a reduced level. The fluctuation
to the left is likely to be because of the formation of the gorge as there is a bend and air
would be forced towards the left wall rather than the right.
Light Intensity- The intensity of light in this section varies. This is because of the shade
produced by the right side of the gorge. Light therefore fails to reach the right wall till midday,
table 3 shows the light intensity on the right side of the gorge at 9:15 which isn’t a fair
representation of the average light intensity in this section of the gorge.
L C R
Air Temperature 28.4 27.9 27.2
Relative Humidity 52.6 50.1 51.6
Wind Speed 0.6 0.4 0.4
Light Intensity 65.1 52.2 7.9
Figure 2:(Ball,2016)
Photographs of Ilingas gorge.

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3.2 Location 2- Entrance to Gorge
0238227 3899297
Time- 9:19
On the left (L) it is sunny, there are small to medium sized rocks, has a low but steep gorge
side with a few patches of grass and few insects.It is also approximately +4m above sea level.
In the centre (C) which is sunny, there are medium sized rocks with an acute incline. To the
right (R), it is a thin gorge channel where there are large boulders deposited. There is a slight
incline on the low height gorge side and is shaded.
Air Temperature- On the left of the gorge air temperature is much higher than on the right. This
is because of the shade of the gorge produced by the gorge sides in this area. The further the
sun moves around the warmer the air temperature gets. That explains the increase but not
maximum temperature in the centre of the gorge.
Relative humidity- On the left of the gorge humidity is shown to have reduced, this could be
down to the sun heating up the water vapour earlier forcing it to climb much quicker than in the
right side and centre of the gorge.
Wind speed- Wind speed is constant as shownin 3.0 and because of the curvature of the gorge
it will be travelling at greater speed on the right side, which is shown in table x
Light intensity- The measurement of LUX reflects where the sun is at this time of day. The sun
covers the East side of the gorge until later. Therefore, intensity is lower.
Table 4 (Ball,2016a) Description of climatic data results.
L C R
Wind Speed 1 0.7 0.7
Table 5 (Ball,2016) Average Climate
Photographs of Ilingas Gorge

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3.3 Location 3- Initial step up
0238219 3899348
Time-9:27
To the left (L) there are more alive grass, with more small rocky sediment and has a steep but
low sided gorge which means it can be sunny on this side. The centre (C) which is sunny, has
small alive grass with small rocky sediment. To the right (R), there is small loose sediment in
the small part of the gorge. The sides are high and steep sided. On the slightly steeper incline,
there is dead vegetation and there is evidence of artificial fluvial channel which has created a
ridge in the gorge.
Air Temperature- The temperature of the air in the initial step up is constant throughout. The
variation on the left of the gorge is due to the sun being able to heat up that area before the
centre and right. This creates the small fluctuation.
Relative Humidity- The humidity of the area resembles that of the temperature. All around the
same quantity. However, the fluctuation is due to faster evaporation of water from right to left
because of the shade produced by the right wall of the gorge.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind in this area is much higher than previous sections. This is
because there is a narrowing in the gorge, there is also no bend in this section or for the coming
sections. The wind is therefore focused down the centre of this section. Creating a higher
reading for the centre.
Light Intensity- The intensity of light in the area reflects the shadow created the right wall of the
gorge. The light intensity dip on the left as shown in table 7, could be due to shading from an
anomaly.
Table 6 (Ball,2016) Description of climatic data results
L C R
Relative Humidity 51.5 53 55.3
Figure 4:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of
Ilingas Gorge

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3.4 Location 4- Concrete Ridge up
0238221 3899408
Time- 9:37
On the left (L) there are flood defences including an artificial step and bed covered by rocks,
large boulders, and no clouds, manmade paths produced by footpath erosion, lots of
butterflies, small amounts of vegetation. In the centre (C) there is very small to medium sized
rocky sediment with lots of grass on the wide gorge floor which is shaded with steep sides.
The right (R) of the gorge the channel is narrow. On the high, steep gorge sides there is grass
growing all the way up high as well as loose sediment. On the gorge floor, there is no sign of
life and has a shallow incline which is covered in shade, with evidence of a landslide also a
concrete wall of the bridge.
Air Temperature- The temperature of the air drops in this area from right to left, progressively
getting cooler. This is due to the shading caused by the gorges right bank. Which doesn’t allow
the ground to absorb heat then emit it.
Relative Humidity- The humidity follows a similar pattern to the air temperature. Increasing from
left to right. This is also because of the heat from the sun creating water particles to move at a
higher rate towards the atmosphere. The sun only being available on the left side causes this
to happen at this time.
Wind speed- Wind speed is a constant in this area of the gorge. This is because of the straight
section and the reduction of friction because of the smoothness of the concrete walls at the side
in sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 further up the gorge.
Light Intensity- The right wall of the gorge is again creating a shadow. Creating the right side to
have more sunlight at this part of the day.
L C R
Air Temperature 27.9 27.1 26
Light Intensity 39.3 8 6.7

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3.5 Location 5- Start of concrete wall
02382224 3899420
Time- 9:47
To the left (L), there are very large boulders with a higher diversity of plants and more insects.
There is a clear small fluvial channel and a manmade concrete step to slow down water. In
the centre (C), there is a lot less vegetation than the right, it has a thin fluvial channel, lots of
small rocks and is shaded.To the right (R) of the gorge which has a small gorge width it is
steep, low gorge sides, and has a manmade concrete wall. In this area, there is small
sediment, some grass, the area is shaded, and has a steep incline. There are animals in this
area.
Air Temperature- The temperature of the gorge on the left side of the gorge is much higher
compared to that on the right. This is due to the shadow cast on the right side from the wall of
the gorge.
Relative Humidity- The humidity in this section is relatively similar due to the shading in the
area. Stopping the water vapour from evaporating. The smaller fluctuations are more likely
down to katabatic wind coming down from the gorge
Wind Speed- The wind speed fluctuates as shown in table 11 this is due to the deposition of
the rocks in 3.6 creating a step and a natural break for the wind on the right side of the gorge.
Slowing the movement of wind.
Light Intensity- Light intensity in this area is low because there is a shadow cast by the left wall
of the gorge.
Table 10 (Ball,2016) Description of climatic data results.
L C R
Air Temperature 25.8 26 27
Wind Speed 1.7 1.5 1
Figure 6:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of Ilingas
Gorge

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3.6 Location 6- Bridge
0238268 3899514
Time- 9:55
To the left (L) of the manmade bridge, it is shaded with very little sediment only small rocks
with no vegetation as it is the concrete floor and side, making the area smooth. The centre (C)
also has no vegetation but quite a lot of litter from the road above including cans and paper,
there is little to no sediment and is extremely shaded. To the right (R) there is evidence of a
landslide by mass movement. Just to the North there are lots of diverse plants and grass and
there is no sight of incline until after the bridge. The making of the bridge means that the side
of the gorge is narrower. The wall is also smooth
Air Temperature- The temperature of the gorge ranges between 26.7 and 25.9 as shown in
table 13. To the right of the gorge it is cooler than on the left this is because of the shading
produced by the bridge. It is assumedthat this is because of katabatic wind coming from further
up the gorge rather than heat directly from the sunlight
Relative Humidity- The humidity as well follows a distinctive pattern, the right side being more
humid than the left. This is also assumed because of the wind flow pattern found in 3.7, that it
will cause the wind to travel differently through this area.
Wind Speed- The wind speed in this area is low from the physical blockade of the bridge. It was
assumed that the speed of the wind may have been greater but as table 13 shows the speed
remains low. This is assumedthat it is because of the next area having a step in the rock forcing
the wind above the bridge rather than below it.
Light Intensity- The LUX reading in this area are low because of the shading of the bridge as
shown in table 13. The maximum reading was 1.2 in this area.
Table 13 (Ball,2016) Climate Averages
L C R
Figure 7:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of Ilingas Gorge

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3.7 Location 7- After the Bridge
0238305 3899600
Time- 10:00
The left (L) of the gorge has very high walls with some large boulders. The side is steep with
no vegetation and small sediment the centre (C) of the gorge is shaded with no vegetation
and has very small and loose sediment on the ground, the right (R) side of the gorge has steep
sides that are tall which means that this part of the gorge is shaded. Lots of shrubs are found
on the steep incline. There is evidence of life (faces).
Air Temperature- The temperature of this area was lower than the previous section and higher
than the next area. This is due to the movement of the wind in this area, and the shading created
by the right side of the gorge. Which will reduce the sunlight infiltration. The katabatic wind also
moves the warm air through this section before it hits the floor of the gorge, where the
recordings were taking place. Therefore, the air from up the gorge would not reach the group
and move above the bridge instead. This results in a lower air temperature.
Relative Humidity- Humidity in this area is high and regarding the spatial placement of it in this
section it is constant ± 0.7% as shown in table 15 this is due to the lack of movement from the
wind, and because of the right side of the gorge stopping light from getting to this area the
saturation of the air is higher at this region of the gorge.
Wind Speed- The wind speed is higher than in section 3.6. This is due to the morphology of the
landscape a lip in the floor as shown in figure 8, forces the air to move above the area and over
the bridge. The readings where the wind speed was taken place were in higher locations than
where the humidity was taken. This minor anomaly has shifted the pattern that the group were
looking for. It does however show that there are minor differences between height for where
the wind speed is higher and where it is lower.
Light Intensity- The intensity of light is low throughout this area. This is because of right bank
of the gorge creating a shadow. The LUX as shown in table 15 does not get above 5.5.
Table 15 (Ball,2016) Climate Average
L C R
Air Temperature 26 25.9 25.5
Light Intensity 4.7 5.5 5
Gorge

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3.8 Location 8- First Wide Bend
0238322 3899631
Time- 10:11
To the left (L) of the gorge it is sunny and has high, steep sides. The gorge has a much wider
channel which bends east. There are dead trees on the side of the gorge. Situated on the
gorge floor is lots of vegetation (shrubs), small rocks and bones of animals which give
evidence. In the centre (C) which is on top of a mound, there are less shrubs. It is shaded and
has clear fluvial channels with medium sized rocks and large boulders. There are some birds
in this area as well as a herd of goats. On the right (R), there are many trees on the steep,
high side of the gorge as well as large boulders which is in the shade. There is a step in the
gorge bed with no shrubs.
Air Temperature- The temperature in this area of the gorge has a larger range than that of any
other previous sections. This is because of the morphology of the gorge in this area. The large
bend means that katabatic wind can move air throughout this section differently depending on
which position the recordings are taken from. The temperature differentiates. The left side of
the gorge has a greater temperature than the right. The range being 3.4℃ as shown in table 17
Relative humidity- The humidity also differs throughout this section of the gorge. The right side
of the gorge recording at 9.3% higher than the left as shown in table 17. This is due to shade
being produced by the gorges right wall stopping evaporation from occurring at a higher rate.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind follows the morphology of the bend. The bend travels from
South to East therefore wind would be travelling at a much higher speed on the right of the
bend due to the angled rock creating a natural barrier.
Light Intensity- Light is affected by the gorges right wall again, producing a shadow influencing
the cover on the right side. The LUX readings are lower in the centre and right areas.
Table 17 (Ball,2016) Climate averages
L C R
Figure 9:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of the
Ilingas Gorge

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3.9 Location 9- Cut in the gorge wall
0238393 3899218
Time- 10:25
To the left there are a few large boulders in a fluvial channel with large trees up on the high,
steep gorge sides. There is evidence of a landslide that has occurred, which has caused the
movement of shrubs increasing the biodiversity. The centre of the gorge at this site is shaded.
It has lots of shrubs and small rocks in the very wide part of the gorge which has a medium to
steep incline. There is also signs of animals such as goats in the area. To the right there is
lots of trees growing healthy along with other vegetation. This side of the gorge is shaded,
with a manmade wall to the far right, which could suggest anthropogenic factors could have a
change to the climatic variables.
Air Temperature- The air temperature is highly influenced by the shade produced by the gorges
wall, the right side gets less sunlight therefore the temperature is considerably lower 2.6℃
difference from the left to the right at table 19 shows.
Relative Humidity- The humidity resembles the air temperature, because of the shade
evaporation cannot occur at a high rate on the right side of the gorge therefore the air is more
saturated with water.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind in this area is influenced by the corrosion of rock on
both sides of the gorge, with there being inlets on both the left and the right of the gorge the
wind is funnelled into the centre and the wind does not have a high rate of speed on the outside.
Light Intensity- The right side of the wall casts a shadow onto the gorge, which is shown in table
19, as there is a dramatic drop in LUX on the right and centre compared to the left.
Table 19 (Ball,2016) Climate averages
L C R
Air Temperature 28 25.8 25.4
Figure 10:(Woollaston,2016)

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3.10 Location 10- Tree Island
0238462 3899802
Time- 10:35
In this area, the gorge has a very wide channel with steep sides and a medium incline. A large
proportion of this area was shaded and the sediment was largely variable with rocks ranging
from small rocks to large boulders. There is trees up the side of the gorge, some of which had
the bark stripped off them, and a high amount of shrubbery throughout this part of the gorge.
To the right of the gorge a landslide had occurred changing the morphology of the gorge, this
could also account for the 1 large boulder that was on this side of the gorge. In the centre of
the gorge there was a small 'island' sort of habitat that was home to ants, spiders, butterflies,
and wasps along with a small pack of goats.
Air Temperature- The temperature in this area is considerably lower than previous sections
because of the change in direction of the gorge. The left and right walls now cast a shadow
onto the inlets on the right and left side and influence the temperature of the gorge. In the
centre, there is tree cover. Which also influences the temperature in the centre of the gorge.
Relative Humidity- The humidity of this area doesn't have a large range as the data in table 21
shows that it is only 1.6% difference between areas. The relation between this and the wind
speed can also be seen with the reduced humidity in the left and right side correlated with the
wind speed on both sides as well.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind is extremely low in this area, this is because of the size of
the gorge at this point being at one of the widest in the system. The area is also flat and straight
therefore the particles can be distributed evenly across the section. The tree cover affects the
centre of the gorge. As figure 11 shows that the tree cover stops wind from infiltrating the centre
of the gorge.
Light Intensity- The shading due to the change in direction of the gorge means that the left and
right sections have low light intensity. The light would only reach the areas at the centre of the
day because of the inlets at both sides. The centre is shaded due to tree cover, sun would
therefore not infiltrate this section at a high percentage.
L C R
Wind Speed 1.9 0 0.6
Figure 11:(Ball,2016) Photographs of
Ilingas Gorge

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3.11 Location 11- Before the narrowing of the gorge
0238489 3899924
Time- 10:55
This part of the gorge had a much thinner width than previously with steep sides but not as
high as before. Towards the left side of the gorge it was shaded with lots of shrubbery and
trees around, there was also a few large boulders that dominated the gorge. In the centre of
the gorge it was sunny with the dominate sediment being much smaller, the vegetation in this
area is very scarce with the majority appearing to be dying. Along the right side of the gorge
it remained sunny and there was an increase of shrubbery. There were also a few goats in
this area.
Air Temperature- The lights infiltration influences the temperature of this area. The right side of
the gorge is in the shade therefore the temperature is lower by 3.5˚C as table 23 shows.
Relative Humidity- The humidity reflects the air temperature. With the right side of the gorge
having higher saturation rates compared to the left and centre this is due to a lower evaporation
rate on the right of the gorge because of the lack of light.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind is low at this section of the gorge, as stated in 3.10 the
gorge remains wide and the wind is not funnelled into an area of the gorge. There are also inlets
on both the left and right. The measurements in table 23 were also taken from the inlets on the
left and right of the gorge.
Light Intensity- The right side of the gorge is in shade due to the gorge wall and the tree located
in this area as shown in figure 12 the shading means that the right side of the gorge will not get
the light till the afternoon.
Table 23 (Ball,2016) Climate average.
L C R
Air Temperature 29.9 30 26.5
Gorge

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3.12 Location 12- Narrowing in the gorge
0238554 3899968
Time- 11:08
This part of the gorge was again narrow with very high and very steep sides. There was a
medium to low incline with the whole of this area being shaded. Towards the left side there
was a rock slump therefore meaning for only a few shrubs. Towards the centre there was an
increase in shrubbery with the sediment being predominantly very jagged rocks. One the right
side there was a few trees with a couple of dead ones, there was a small amount of shrubbery
and evidence of animals (Bones).
Air Temperature- The temperature of this section of the gorge is relatively low compared to the
rest of the data from 3.1 to 3.9. This is due to shading of the gorge walls at both sides. With it
being the narrowest part of the gorge the light will only be available at this section during midday
for a limited period. The Sun's infrared radiation therefore does not have a long time to be
absorbed by the ground and can reduce the temperature of the area considerably. There is also
constant wind blowing throughout this section of the gorge which keeps the air moving and the
temperature down
Relative Humidity- The humidity of this area is relatively average throughout this section. This
is because of the lack of sunlight. It is however reduced by the constant movement of the wind
throughout the entirety of this section.
Wind Speed- The wind speed remains constant in this area from the left to the right. With it
picking up in the centre due to the funnelling of the system. The speed of the wind at this time
of day is assumed to be lower than average due to other characteristics of the gorge and the
results of a similar formation of rocks in 3.14. The speed of the wind may not be reflective of
the true characteristics of this section of the gorge.
Light Intensity- The light intensity is at one of the lowest in the gorge system due to complete
shading as the walls are at their highest at this point, as well as this the narrow gap in the
system reduces the time that the light can be present on this area of the gorge. The data at this
point could be considered accurate of the characteristics compared to other sections where
shading is only for a short period time such as that in 3.3.
.
Table 25
(Ball,2016) Climate average
L C R
Air Temperature 26.6 26 25.6
Light Intensity 3 3.7 2.6

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3.13 Location 13- Tree and vegetation cluster
0238656 3900000
Time- 11:15
In this area, the gorge has a shallow incline with very steep and extremely high sides. The
whole area was shaded and the channel was narrow. To the left side there was a high amount
of shrubbery, shade, and clear signs of water where some rocks were wet. There were a few
very large boulders in this area that lay in an array of fluvial channels. In the centre of the
gorge there was less shrubs and again more large boulders but the sediment was mainly
medium sized. There were also a few birds flying around in this area. To the right side there
was small loose rock piles and a few clusters of shrubs. There were also a few coves on the
edge of the gorge.
Air Temperature- The air temperature at this location differentiates between 26.2 on the left and
25.2 on the right as shown in table 27, this is due to the bend forcing air towards the right of the
gorge wall as the morphology of the land pushes the wind towards the right wall and moves the
warm air through this system.
Relative Humidity- The humidity in this area fluctuates between 50.3 and 55.4 as shown in table
27 this is because of the land having ridges in. The data at the left side was higher up and had
a soil cover. Which will hold more moisture, also being covered by a tree, evaporation does not
occur as much as the centre. Which is low lying compared to the other areas and there is no
soil therefore it is more prone to evaporation. The right side of the gorge like the left also has
soil cover and vegetation present. There is therefore more moisture in the air around it.
Wind Speed- The wind speed increases towards the right side of the gorge because of the
bend, the air is forced towards the outside, but because of the rise on the right side the air is
then forced towards the left creating the increase in both the left and right and the lower
recordings in the centre of the gorge. This is also influenced by the height of the centre
compared to the left and right, it is in shelter because of the drop.
Light Intensity- The gorge is narrow at this point and the walls are at the highest. This produces
a shadow across the entire gorge.
L C R
Light Intensity 2.3 2.8 1.8 Figure 14:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of
Ilingas gorge

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3.14 Location 14- Narrowest point in the gorge
0238577 3900099
Time- 11:33
In this part of the gorge the channel was very narrow with no shrubbery at all. There were also
lots of dead wood lying about meaning this area is not suitable for growth of vegetation. The
left side of the gorge was shaded but the further to the right it became sunnier. There was a
large amount of animal life in the area with insects such as ants and flies.
Air Temperature- The temperature in this section is higher towards the edges of the gorge, this
is because of the katabatic air which moves through this section of the gorge, the walls of the
gorge funnel it to the centre.
Relative Humidity- Humidity of the gorge is constant throughout this section with only
fluctuations between the centre and the right of the section spanning 0.8% as shown in table
29. This is because of the constant wind speed throughout the area.
Wind Speed- The wind speed is high in this area because of the funnel created by the walls of
the gorge system. Minor fluctuations on the right of the gorge is due to the minor bend in this
area.
Light Intensity- With the gorge walls being high and close to one another in this area the sun
doesn't get around the area until midday. The time the results were taken does not show an
accurate representation of the area. However, at this point of the day the left gorge wall blocked
the sunlight and created a shadow on the left side of the gorge.
Table 29 (Ball,2016b Climatic data.
L C R
Figure 15:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs
of Ilingas gorge

20
3.15 Location 15- After the narrowing
0238554 3900199
Time- 11:40
This part of the gorge had a narrow width with very steep sides and very small sediment
deposits apart from the right side where there were very large boulders. There was very little
sign of life, bar flies and wasps, in this area with little to no shrubbery. The bed of the gorge
was imprinted with fluvial channels and was very uneven.
Air Temperature- The temperature at this area has 1℃ fluctuation for the right and the left. This
is due to the light intensity in the area. The right side is in shade and therefore heat radiation
cannot be absorbed then given off over time.
Relative Humidity- The humidity is influenced by both light intensity as the evaporation of water
molecules is higher on the left, so water saturation is lower. The right will also have an increase
in humidity due to the healthy and abundant vegetation.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind is influenced by the cover at this location. The right side
has vegetation for cover against wind. The left side with steeper walls and the narrow width
produces a funnel in this section increasing wind speed.
Light Intensity- The light intensity in this area is relative to the shadow produced by the right
wall of the gorge. The right side is 81.9% lower than the left as shown in table 31.
Table 31(Ball,2016) Climatic data.
L C R
Light Intensity 84.9 84 3 Figure 16:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of
Ilingas gorge

21
3.16 Location 16- Stripped Trees
0238622 3900329
Time- 13:50
In this region is the gorge again the sides were steep and very high but this time the channel
width was slightly wider. The sediment ranged from small rocks to large boulders and there
was a large blanket of grasses. The whole area was sunny and the only life visible was some
birds nesting in trees on the side of the gorge.
Air Temperature- The temperature in this area is the highest as shown in table 33 this is due to
the time of day, with the sun being at the highest point and highest intensity during the day the
air temperature increases significantly. The right side being in the shade gets less heat,
however due to the winds, warm air is forced down the gorge and into the shade on the right
side.
Relative Humidity- The humidity is low in this area. Mainly due to the intensity of the sunlight
causing the water in the air to evaporate at a higher rate. This reduces the percentage in the
air, as shown in table 33. The right side is higher because of the shade produced by the right
wall of the gorge.
Wind Speed- The speed on the wind is higher at both sides of the gorge, this is due to the
curved walls because of abrasion and corrosion at the bottom of the gorge walls. This creates
wind to flow in these sections at a higher speed.
Light Intensity- The light intensity shown in table 33 is at one of the highest readings. This is
due to the sun being at the highest point, and subsequently producing the highest LUX reading.
The right side is in shade, giving a fluctuation. Whichis mirrored in the temperature and humidity
readings as previously discussed.
L C R
Figure 17:(Woollaston,2016) Photographs of
Ilingas gorge

22
3.17 Location 17- Landslide with trees
0238635 3900470
Time- 13:39
In this area, the gorge had trees and shrubs all up the side of the gorge and the whole area
was covered with sun. The gorge had a much shallower incline and an even channel bed.
There were a few large boulders but most the sediment was much smaller. There was also
quite a lot of life in this part of the gorge that included birds, lizards, wasps, and flies.
Air Temperature- The temperature is at the average peak here as shown in table 35. Light
intensity remains constant the fluctuations are most likely due to wind patterns in this section of
the gorge. The centre being the windiest means that the radiated heat is blown down the gorge
Relative Humidity- Humidity in this area is relative to when the sun hits the section of the gorge.
The left side of the gorge has sunlight at an earlier time so the water vapour is evaporated
earlier and humidity is lower. The wind speed also affects the humidity. The higher wind speed
in the centre as shown in table 35 is wind from further inland, with that brings moisture.
Wind Speed- The speed of the wind is affected by obstacles in this section of the gorge. This
includes boulders and trees on the left and right side of the gorge. The centre being flatter
means that wind can travel at a higher velocity. The trees also create a natural funnel towards
the centre too.
Light Intensity- The intensity of light is the highest as shown in table 35 this is because of the
widened gorge and the positioning of the sun. Which affects the entire area in the gorge area.
Table 34 (Ball,2016) Description of climatic data results
L C R
Light Intensity 96.5 91.5 91.5 Figure 18:(Spruce,2016) Photographs of Ilingas gorge

23
3.18 Location 18- Boulders
0238624 3900531
Time- 13:29
This section of the gorge was quite narrow with some very large boulders but mainly sandy
deposits and soil. The area was mainly sunny with only the left side of the gorge being shaded.
There was again a large blanket of grasses but all other vegetation was scarce.
Air Temperature- The temperature of the air in this area is lower than 3.17. However still higher
than the lower stages of the gorge. This can be assumed that because of the Sun's intensity
the average temperature as shown in table 37 is higher than before. The lowered rates on the
left is likely because of the increase in water vapour on the left due to increase in dead
vegetation.
Relative Humidity- The humidity depends on the vegetation in the area. The left has a lot of
dead vegetation with decomposition happening. There is also shaded areas reducing the
evaporation.
Wind Speed- The speed of wind in this area is difficult to measurebecause of the large boulders
obscuring the wind flow in the area, a representative picture of the area can be difficult to get
off 3 readings. The centre however being the clearest offers less obstruction and allows wind
to travel faster than on the left and right.
Light Intensity- The intensity of light is high in the area, due to little obstruction. As like the wind
reference, 3 readings aren’t representative of the area as there are sections covered in shade
than can offer different readings, depending on where the meter is held.
Table 36 (Ball,2016) Description of Climatic data results.
L C R
Wind Speed 1 1.9 1.3
Light Intensity 83.1 94.7 87.6 Figure 19:(Ball,2016) Photographs of Ilingas gorge

24
3.19 Location 19- Landslide blockade
0238612 3900664
Time- 13:15
When the group reached this part of the gorge they found there had been a large landslide
therefore blocking our path. The gorge was very steep and the area was surrounded by large
boulders. The bed was uneven due to fluvial channels and there were minimal shrubbery bar
large trees up the side of the gorge. There was also no life in this part of the gorge.
Air Temperature- The air temperature in this area is high because of the increase in shade due
to vegetation. The left side was partially shaded due to trees and therefore temperature is at
the highest there and on the unshaded left. This is similar to the data found by Page et al.
(2015)
Relative Humidity- Light intensity affects the humidity of the section. The shaded areas where
vegetation is present contributes to the water vapor in the air. The right side of the gorge as
shown in table 39, where light intensity is higher produces a reduction in percentage of water
in the air.
Wind Speed- The speed of wind is affected by the positioning of the rocks in the gorge. With
the landslide being a prominent feature in this location, the position of rocks affect the wind
speed. The centre being in a cove has wind funnelled from above, which is forced downward.
The right side of the gorge is sloped and flatter, also allowing wind to travel at a higher speed.
The left was the highest point in this section at which doesn’t allow the free movement of wind.
Light Intensity- The left side is covered by a tree and therefore produces a lower intensity. The
centre was in an alcove and shaded by the wall of the gorge. The right side had no impact from
the gorge walls or any vegetation so had the highest LUX reading as shown in table 39.
Table 39
(Ball,2016b) Climate average.
L C R
Light Intensity 3 4 94.4
Photographs of Ilingas gorge

25
4.0 Analysis of climatic variables.
4.1 Analysis of Light Intensity (LUX) South to North.
Light intensity is the rate light is distributed across an area. This can change for many reasons
such as distance from the point of origin and the strength of the light source. Trends found in
the Ilingas Gorge can be seen in table 40.
Table 40: Light intensity analysis
Overview of the
trends from South
to North of all
sites.
Light intensity varies throughout the gorge; from 2.3 (site 13) to 96.5 (site
17) (see figure 21). These sites have similar GPS co-ordinates and similar
light intensity readings from a study carried out by Page et al. (2015) which
helps to triangulate the readings and ensures the data collected is reliable
and accurate.
This is the only climatic variable that is affected by only one other factor,
the blocking of direct sunlight. The right side of the gorge is mainly in
shade, due to the high gorge sides and the position of the sun at the time
of day when the data was collected. This would explain constant low light
intensity from the right side of the gorge until the 14th site as shown in
figure 21, which is when the gorge became wider and sunlight began to hit
the right side of the gorge causing light intensity to increase.
Table 40 (Spruce,2016) Analysis.
Figure 21 (Ball et al.,2016) Climatic data variables for all sites.

26
4.2 Analysis of Air Temperature (℃) South to North
Air temperature is generated via movementof air molecules creating kinetic energy and friction
between which then determines the air temperature. Blaster et al., (2010) says that “as gas
molecules move more quickly, air temperature increases”. The trends in air temperature can
be found in table 41.
Table 41: Air temperature analysis
Overview of the
trends from South
to North of all
sites.
As figure 22 shows air temperature is constant throughout the gorge. The
lowest air temperature recorded was 25.2℃ and the highest was recorded
at 30.8℃ which is a low range. This range is very similar to results found
by Page et al., (2015) whichsupports the data the group found. Also, figure
22 infers that the left side of the gorge had a higher air temperature
compared to the right and the centre of the gorge.
Sites 8, 11, 16 and 17 have the highest air temperature. This could be
because these sites are located on an East to West pathway, compared to
the other sites which are South to North. This means the rocks will have
been in sunlight longer and therefore absorbed moreof the sun rays, which
will emit more infra-red radiation and therefore produce a higher air
temperature.

27
4.3 Analysis of Wind Speed (m/s) South to North.
Wind speed is created via differences in the levels of atmospheric pressure from one area to
another, so for example if pressure is high, wind speed is low and vice versa.
Table 42: Analysis of wind speed
Overview of
trends from
South to North of
all sites.
The group found that wind speed increases as the gorge narrows which is
shown in figure 23. This could be explained because as the gorge gets
narrower the sameamount of air particles have to travel through the smaller
space.
It was also found that the lower wind speeds found at sites 6, 8, 10, 11 and
13 had a higher vegetation cover, which will cause friction on the air
molecules and therefore slow down wind speed. In the bridge area, the
morphology of the gorge influenced the direction and speed of the air
particles, creating lower results as shown in figure 23.
Another reason which Balster et. al., (2010) talks about is that heat affects
wind speed. As heat increases air particles get an increasein kinetic energy
and therefore speeding them up.

28
4.4 Analysis of Relative Humidity (%) South to North.
Relative humidity can be described as the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. It is
mainly affected by the change in air temperature. The analysis of the results are seen in table
43.
Table 43: Relative Humidity Analysis
Overview of the
trends of relative
humidity across all
the sites
On average relative humidity decreases the further up the gorge the data
was recorded. As figure 24 shows, as humidity at site 1 was recorded at
51.4% and by site 19 it had fell to 42.6%. This could be due to the
katabatic wind that blows dry air down the gorge and therefore resulting
in a lower humidity higher up the gorge. This is supported by some
previous studies carried out by Page et al., (2015) who found the same
decrease in humidity.
Another reason for this could be the effect of heating the air particles
which will give them more kinetic energy and force them to evaporate at
a greater speed. This will then increase humidity the further up the gorge.
A final reason for the decline could be the natural landscape of the gorge.
As the sites became more northern, the distance from the sea increases
and therefore resulting in less amount of readily available water vapour
thus causing a decreasing humidity.

29
5.0 Presence of a Microclimate
The MetOffice (2011) define a micro-climateas a small scale,prevalent climatewhose climatic
variables are subtly different to the conditions prevailing over the area. Across the Ilingas
gorge the micro-climates are discussed within table 44.
Table 44: Locations of Microclimates within Ilingas Gorge
Overview of the
trends from South
to North of all the
sites.
Based on the MetOffices definition, a microclimate within the Ilingas
Gorge is where one of the nineteen sites are distinctly different to the
other sites around it. Based upon the data provided throughout the
report it can determined that sites 8, 10, 11 16 and 17 have
microclimates. However, difficulties arise, when suggesting these
microclimates exist due to there not being enough spatial and temporal
data to back this up. The report only represents data from one day, so
therefore it cannot be conceived that there is a change in these sites
but they could be small and temporary microclimates.
All 5 microclimate sites are affected by the increase in altitude and the
natural topography and morphology of the gorge. The increase in
gradient changes the climatic variables as discussed in sections 4.0
through to 4.3.
At site 8, there is a drop in relative humidity for the first time in the
gorge, while at the same time air temperature rises. There is also a
massiveflux in light intensity as shown in figure 21. As evidence, at site
10, there is a large rise in relative humidity, while the other climatic
variables drop. Light intensity has the largest change at site 11 than
any other throughout the gorge, while the data shows air temperature
rises just a little here. At sites 16 and 17 there is increased vegetation
and an increase in all climatic variables, showing the possible link
between the two factors.
Table 44 (Spruce,2016) Locations of Microclimates within Ilingas Gorge.

30
6.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, upon inspection of the raw data there are no significant trends to support the
idea that there are permanent and disinvite microclimates in the Ilingas gorge. But from the
groups observations in the gorge it became clear that there were separate microclimates as
they progressed through the gorge. For example, there is a clear difference in vegetation as
the group moved through the gorge. Along the coast there was little to no plants or animals
meaning there was a low biodiversity. But further up the gorge the groups findings show a
wide variety of trees, shrubs and grasses. This coupled with the presence of life including
insects,goats and birds. Whichsuggests a muchhigher biodiversity in this area. This therefore
could indicate a microclimate.
It can be interpreted that the data presented in this report does not show these microclimates
for several reasons. Firstly, the group only ran the tests in the gorge for one day. This may not
have given them an accurate representation of the area in terms of wind speed, humidity, light
intensity, and air temperature, thus not giving them the trends in the data to show
microclimates exist in the gorge. Therefore, to improve the project the group should revisit the
gorge and take more recordings over a longer period to give a more reliable data set. Data
could also be improved by taking readings at the same time at each location, with better
technology.
Another way to get a more accurate data set would be to have recorded the climatic variables
at more points in the gorge. This however was not feasible in the gorge as there had been a
large rock fall at ridge, which halted the progress up the gorge meaning only 19 sites were
recorded, severely reducing the amount of data the group could collect.

31
7.0 Reference
Ball, A. (2016) Photographs of Ilingas Gorge. [Photographs]
Ball, A.(2016)Climatic data. [Table]
Ball, A.(2016)Description of Climatic data results. [Table]
Ball, A., Fletcher, E., Spruce, C and Woollaston, R. (2016) Climatic data variables for all sites.
[Graph]
Balster, L., Gillies, J., Kelly, C. and Smalls, C. (2010) what is Air Temperature? In:
Environmental monitor (2015) Science Library. Available from:
http://www.fondriest.com/news/airtemperature.htm [Accessed 10th November 2016]
Barter, Guy. Learn To Garden. 1st ed. New York: DK Pub., 2008. Print.
Clifford, N., French, S. and Valentine, G. eds., (2010). Key Methods in Geography. Second
Edition. SAGE.
Fletcher, E. (2016) Advantages and disadvantages of data collection methods.[table]
Goetz, R. (2015) The southern coast between paleochora and Plakias 24: From Chora Sfakion
to Loutro. In: Goetz, R. Crete: The finest coastal and mountain walks - 60 walks - GPS pp,
128. Munich: Bergverlag Rother GmbH.
Google Maps (2016) Ilingas Gorge [on-line]. Available from:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ilingas/@35.2100161,24.1275406,5271m/data=!3m1!1
e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x149c9e17b5db8353:0xa9a8cf67114165a6!8m2!3d35.2022754!4d24.1243
595. [Accessed 1st
November 2016]
Kitchin, R. and Tate, N.J., (2000) Conducting researchinto human geography. Theory, Method
and Practice. Prentice Hall.
McNamara., C. (2006) Overview of Basic Methods to Collect Information [on-line]. Available
from: http://managementhelp.org/businessresearch/methods.htm [Accessed 1st
November
2016]
MetOffice (2011) introduction. In: Microclimates - National Meteorological Library and Archive
Fact sheet 14 - Microclimates (version 01) (PDF). Avaiable from:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/n/9/Fact sheet No. 14.pdf (Accessed 15th November
2016)
Page A, Linden D, Smith R, Straw S, Hackett T and Perett W, (2015) Mediterranean
Environments: Geomorphological and Human perspectives. Derby University.
Pope., R. (2016) The microclimates of Ilingas Gorge handbook. Derby University.
Spruce., C. (2016) Analysis.[Table]
Spruce., C. (2016) Locations of Microclimates within Ilingas Gorge.[Table]

32
8.0 Appendix
Appendix 1: Physical description and Climatic Variable data sheet - Site 1
Appendix 20: Gorge field sketch - Site 1

33
Appendix 40: Project outline form
Appendix 41: Risk Assessment form
Appendix 42: Tables of results (climatic variable averages)

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