Urban Effect on Micro-Climate of a Tropical Environment

Abstract

The ultimate aim and purpose of this study was to investigate the urban effects of micro-climate in Sapele town, Delta State. The influence of urbanization on climate was investigated with particular reference to urban centres and rural centres of Sapele region. Figures on temperatures and relative humidity were observed in June, 2013, at between 0900hr and 1500hr GMT daily. Data analysis techniques includes Paried T-Test findings indicate significant difference between urban and rural temperature as well as the relative humidity (P<0.05). Urban temperature was positively and significantly correlated with rural temperature (r=0.358). And urban relative humidity was negatively but significantly correlated with the rural humidity (r=-0.224). These variations show the influence of urbanization on the microclimate of Sapele town. Recommendations are to made to checked these variations. Industries and factories stacks should be located far away from settlements. Weather stations should also be scattered around the region to monitor temperature elevations and other weather parameters.

Keywords: Micro-climate, Urban, Anthropogenic, Sapele Town