The purpose of this research is to increase our understanding of the factors that influence climate in urban areas, particularly those involved in energy exchanges between the "canyons" formed by tall buildings on the one hand, and the atmospheric layers that overlay the "canopy" formed by clusters of adjacent tall buildings on the other. Professor Arnfield will measure energy flows within selected urban canyons and at their tops. A numerical model will then be used to simulate the energy budget of such canyons and to relate them to atmospheric features overlying building canopies and to other aspects of urban climates. This research is important to understanding the relationship between the microclimates of urban canyons and the broader climatology of cities.
