Rapid urbanization effect on local climate: intercomparison of climate trends in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, 1968-2013

Abstract

An intercomparison of climate trends between 2 adjacent large cities, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, in the past 46 yr (1968−2013) suggests that the rate of urbanization is clearly reflected in the rate of the change in local climate. Since becoming a special economic zone in 1980, Shenzhen has experienced a very rapid urbanization process. In only 30 yr, Shenzhen has transformed from a small town into a metropolis rivaling Hong Kong. The gross domestic product and urban built-up area in Shenzhen have increased rapidly. Climate data analysis over the last 46 yr showed a greater rate of change in climate in Shenzhen than in Hong Kong over the same period. In Shenzhen, average annual temperature warmed by 1.63 ± 0.18°C (~0.35 ± 0.04°C per decade), average maximum temperature increased by 0.90 ± 0.19°C, average minimum temperature increased by 2.09 ± 0.23°C and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) decreased by 1.18 ± 0.23°C. Over the same period in Hong Kong, average temperature increased by 0.47 ± 0.20°C (~0.10 ± 0.04°C per decade), maximum temperature increased by 0.12 ± 0.28°C, minimum temperature increased by 0.55 ± 0.20°C and DTR decreased by 0.43 ± 0.27°C. In addition, relative humidity in Shenzhen decreased by 13.13 ± 1.78% in the last 46 yr, while there were no significant changes in Hong Kong. Finally, data analysis showed that urbanization has no significant effect on total rainfall for both cities.

Bambusicolous Arthrinium Species in Guangdong Province, China

“…Fresh specimens of Arthrinium -like taxa were collected from Bijiashan Mountain Park, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, in September–October 2018, and the collection site has a tropical climate with abundant sunshine and rainfall all year round. The yearly average temperature is 22°C and vegetative type is tropical evergreen monsoon forests ( Li et al, 2015 ). Specimens were brought to the laboratory in paper bags and they were examined under a stereomicroscope (Carl Zeiss Discovery V8), and blackish conidial mass and fruit bodies were observed.…”

Statistical prediction of non‐Gaussian climate extremes in urban areas based on the first‐order difference method

“…Continuous daily maximum temperature ( T max ) data at the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) headquarters, located in an urban area, for the period 1947–2016 were used. These data have been previously used to analyse climate change in Hong Kong (Chan et al, ; Li et al, ). According to HKO, a very hot day is one in which the daily maximum temperature reaches 33°C or higher (hereafter HD33).…”

Characteristics of Wind Structure and Nowcasting of Gust Associated with Subtropical Squall Lines over Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China

“…The Shenzhen Meteorological Gradient Tower (SZMGT) is located in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, which is one of the most rapidly developing cities in China [6]. A photograph of the tower and the locations of the anemometer installation are shown in Figure 1.…”