A microclimate is a local climate that differs from the area around it. Several factors can impact microclimates, including vegetation like hedges and trees, physical features such as bodies of water, the aspect or direction a surface faces, and human-made structures. These factors can cause areas to be warmer or cooler through mechanisms like shading, wind blocking, and heat absorption and reflection.

1. How do some factors affect microclimate?

2. What is a microclimate? A microclimate is when the climate in a small area is different to the general area around it Many different things can cause this (Climate is the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time – remember??!!)

3. The effect of hedges/shelter This side of the hedge is in shade. It would be cooler This side of the hedge faces the sun. It would be warmer

4. The effect of shelter This side of the wall is sheltered from the wind. It would be warmer This side of the wall is exposed to the wind. It would be cooler

5. The effect of physical features Water areas like lakes have a cooling effect on the land. Trees can also shade the land. It would be cooler

6. The effect of surface Light surfaces such as grass reflect heat. It would be cooler Dark surfaces such as tarmac store heat. It would be warmer

7. The effect of buildings Buildings store heat and give it out in the afternoon. Buildings close together can break up winds. It would be warmer, especially in the afternoon Sometimes wind speed can increase if it rushes around buildings. Here, it would be cooler

8. The effect of aspect N S If a place/person is facing North, then they will get less sun. It would be cooler If a place/person is facing South, then they will get more sun. It would be warmer