High-rise buildings and asphalt cause terrestrial stilling and intensify heat in Indian cities
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Mains·
Urban Heat Island effect and terrestrial stilling: a GS3 Environment and Urban Planning case study.
Why in news
Researchers from IIHS Bengaluru and the University of Alabama in Huntsville highlighted how high-rise buildings and asphalt cause 'terrestrial stilling' and intensify urban heat.
Background
Amruthraj M.N. (IIHS Bengaluru) noted that high-rise buildings reduce wind speeds near the 10 m surface level. Researchers suggested using computational fluid dynamics and satellite imagery to create ventilation maps for cities like Chennai and Mumbai.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) is suggested as a tool to create city ventilation maps.
- FactTerrestrial stilling is defined as the reduction of wind speeds near the 10 m surface level due to urban infrastructure.
- PlaceChennai and Mumbai are identified as cities requiring ventilation mapping.
Prelims practice question
With reference to terrestrial stilling and urban ventilation, consider the following statements:
- Computational fluid dynamics is suggested as a tool to create city ventilation maps.
- The study suggests using satellite imagery to create ventilation maps for cities like Delhi and Kolkata.
- Terrestrial stilling refers to the reduction of wind speeds near the 10 m surface level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note identifies Chennai and Mumbai as the cities requiring ventilation mapping.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development contribute to the 'urban heat island' effect and suggest technological interventions to mitigate terrestrial stilling.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Aerodynamic bottleneck: High-rise density obstructing wind flow and reducing natural cooling at the 10 m surface level
- Material heat retention: Asphalt and lack of vegetation creating thermal mass that intensifies localized heat
- Data-driven planning: Utilizing computational fluid dynamics and satellite imagery for precision ventilation mapping
Keywords: Urban Heat Island · Terrestrial Stilling · Computational Fluid Dynamics · Urban Ventilation · Thermal Mass
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.