Question

part 3: crosscutting concept (cause & effect / systems) question: explain the cause - and - effect relationship between human land use (materials we build with) and local climate conditions. think of the city as a system. how does changing one part (surface material) affect the rest (temperature, energy use, comfort)?

Explanation:

If the surface material used in human - land use in a city changes, it can have multiple impacts. For example, replacing natural soil with asphalt or concrete (impervious surfaces) can lead to the urban heat island effect. This is because these materials absorb more solar radiation and retain heat better than natural surfaces. Higher temperatures can increase energy use for air - conditioning, and also affect human comfort levels. The change in surface material is the cause, and the effects are changes in temperature, energy use, and comfort.

Answer:

Changing surface materials in urban areas can increase temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, leading to higher energy use for cooling and reduced human comfort.