About 
What is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

The urban heat island effect describes higher temperatures in dense urban areas in comparison to rural or suburban areas. Urban areas have higher amounts of impervious surfaces (such as concrete and asphalt) which absorb and store more heat and retain less moisture, resulting in higher surface and air temperatures. However, even within urban areas, microclimate varies as a function of both vegetation and features of the built environment. 

Why are we studying urban heat?
Extreme urban heat is a serious problem that can affect human health, increase energy costs, and reduce quality of life. Vegetation in urban areas is one way to mitigate urban heat, but more research is needed about which types and spatial arrangements of vegetation are best to cool cities.

Interested in learning more about urban heat and ways to mitigate it? See our resources page for additional reading. 
How are we monitoring temperature?
We are installing a variety of sensors that measure air temperature, soil temperature, and soil moisture.

Please do not disturb any sensors. If you think something may be amiss, feel free to contact us at [email protected]​.
Interested in learning more? Please contact the team if you have further questions.
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Research Team

City of Boulder 
University of Colorado Boulder