Urban Heat Islands and Aerosols Affects on Cloud Formation and Precipitation By Travis Bramble Mentors: Prof. Fred Moshary and Dr. Gross Graduate Student: Heather Glickman Summer 2005

Introduction Urban Heat Island is an urban phenomenon. It occurs due to the absorption of solar radiation by building and road surfaces. It has affect on an urban area’s urban meteorology, air quality, energy demand, and human health. Aerosols are tiny particles that are released into the atmosphere by natural occurrences and human activities. In this project, the affects of UHI and Aerosols on meteorology will be further discussed and analyzed.

Motivation and Knowledge of Project Because we are centered in NYC which happens to be such an urban environment, we experience the effects of UHI quite frequently. There is much to understand when it comes to the global climate effects that aerosols are capable of. Urban areas become UHIs from the textures, properties, and colors of materials used in the buildings, roads, and other heat absorbing surfaces. Aerosols are expected to have the opposite effects of greenhouse gases by instead causing global warming, aerosols may cause global cooling.

Role and Goals As of now, it seems that Undergraduate, Heather Glickman expects me to contribute in any way to her research of the effects of UHI and Aerosols on cloud formation and precipitation. I intend to become knowledgeable of if storm systems intensify when passing through a very urban area and rain much of their condensation out. I also intend to better understand how aerosols can effect rain intensity as well as their absorption of sunlight.