LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which phenomenon describes warmer temperatures in urban areas due to solar energy retention on constructed surfaces?

1. Heat island effect

2. Urban heat retention

3. Solar absorption phenomenon

4. Microclimate disregard

The correct answer is: Heat island effect

The correct choice is the heat island effect, which refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. This occurs due to the absorption and retention of solar energy by constructed surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and buildings. These materials possess the ability to absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to elevated temperatures in urban settings compared to more vegetated areas. While urban heat retention and solar absorption phenomenon may sound relevant, they are not widely recognized terms in the context of urban temperature increases. Microclimate disregard does not accurately describe this environmental phenomenon, as it suggests a lack of appreciation for localized climatic variations rather than indicating the specific temperature differences caused by urban development. The heat island effect is the established terminology that captures the essence of the temperature differential brought about by urbanization.