Models and observational strategies of carbon exchange need to take into account synoptic and mesoscale transport for correct interpretation of the relation between surface fluxes and atmospheric concentration gradients.A dequate quantification of the geographical distribution of sources and sinks of C02 is still a major task with considerable implications for both our understanding of the global climate and the possible opportunities to mitigate climate change. Atmospheric measurements of C02 mixing ratios at a number of locations around the globe have helped significantly to quantify the source-sink distribu-AFFILIATIONS: DOLMAN, TOLK, AND
ABSTRACT:The urban heat island (UHI) effect, defined as the air temperature difference between the urban canyon and the nearby rural area, is investigated. Because not all cities around the world are equipped with an extensive measurement network, a need exists for a relatively straightforward equation for the UHI effect. Here, we derive a simple, diagnostic equation for the UHI using dimensional analysis. This equation provides a first-order estimation of the daily maximum UHI based on routine meteorological observations and straightforward urban morphological properties. The equation is tested for 14 cities across northwestern Europe and appears to be robust. The comprehensiveness of this analytical equation allows for applications beyond urban meteorological studies.
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