Impact of urban development on wind patterns in Houston, Texas

摘要

Research focusing on the Houston, Texas area suggests widespread urban development alters weather patterns in a way that can make it easier for pollutants to accumulate during warm summerweather instead of being blown out to sea. The international study, led by the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), could have implications for the air quality of fast-growing coastal cities in the US and other mid-latitude regions overseas. Researchers said the proliferation of strip malls, subdivisions and other paved areas may interfere with breezes needed to clearawaysmog and other pollution.