Dynamics of an Urban Temperature Field—A Case Study

Abstract

Surface and airborne temperature and air pollution data collected in Calgary's urban area show the formation of a multiple-celled heat island at street level. Temperature gradients and their variability correlated with wind speed. Temperature surfaces over the city flattened with height while their centers were progressively displaced in the wind direction. A well-defined urban boundary layer was found over the city in early morning hours. In midday, the layer was poorly defined. Air pollution patterns over the city reflected land use and the strength of the boundary layer.