Mikroklimatu

Mikroklimatu (microclimate) refers to the climate of a small or localized area that differs from the surrounding regional climate (macroclimate) due to local factors. Microclimates can be influenced by topography, land cover, water features, buildings, soil moisture, and vegetation, among other factors. They can occur in a few square meters in a forest understory, a city street canyon, a slope facing a sun, or a roadside pavement.

Key determinants include solar radiation, air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and soil moisture. The mix of shade and sun, heat storage in surfaces, evapotranspiration by vegetation, and moisture in the soil create conditions that can be significantly warmer or cooler than the broader area. Urban areas often exhibit urban heat islands, where built structures and reduced vegetation raise temperatures, while coastal or forested sites may be cooler and more humid.

Measurement and modeling of microclimates rely on ground-based sensors, data loggers, and high-resolution weather models, as well as remote sensing and GIS methods. Observations can be short- or long-term and are used to map microclimatic variation across landscapes.

Applications include agriculture and horticulture, where microclimate informs crop choice and irrigation; urban planning and architecture, where shading, ventilation, and green infrastructure mitigate heat and improve comfort; and ecology and conservation, where microclimates influence species distributions and habitat suitability.

In summary, the study of mikroklimatu focuses on localized climatic patterns that arise from the interaction of atmospheric conditions with local features, providing insight for land use, agriculture, and climate resilience.