Change of Thermal Environment due to a Large-Scale Development in Village-Vicinity Woodland, “Satoyama” –Evaluation using a Numerical Model assisted by Vertical Meteorological Sounding

Abstract

This paper evaluated the effects of a large-scale development on the thermal environment in a village-vicinity mountain area, “Satoyama”, using a numerical model assisted by vertical meteorological sounding. Diurnal variations of atmospheric temperature fields were calculated and compared before and after the construction of a large test course for motor vehicles. The thermal effects of two different materials for the construction, i.e., asphalt and concrete, were evaluated. The results showed: i) the daily maximum temperature increased over 4℃ near the surface of the asphalt test course, ii) the area of the temperature rise at more than 1℃ extended leeward about 500 m, iii) the use of concrete for the course material reduced the 4℃-increase by about 2℃. The daily minimum temperature in the asphalt course showed about 1.7℃ decline. However, the cool air layer was thin and its influence stayed within the course area.