Determination of temperature differences between asphalt concrete, soil and grass surfaces of the City of Erzurum, Turkey

Abstract

t is known that cities are warmer and drier that the surrounding, vegetated areas. In addition to their aesthetic aspects, plants play important roles in urban ecosystems function by providing various favourable effects. The City or Erzurum has extreme continental climatic features and is very hot in summer time, i.e., the period between June and September. There are few tree species capable of growing in the city; it is thought that in such cities, grass may have superior effects to the trees. The present study was carried out to determine temperature differences between asphalt concrete (AC), soil and grass surfaces on and 2m above them and to show the advantages of the use of grass surfaces in this kind of new developing cities. After the study, it was seen a mean temperature difference of 6.5 ºC between AC and soil, 5.3 ºC between soil and grass, and 11.79 ºC between AC and grass surfaces respectively, while temperature differences 2m above the surfaces were 5.22 ºC between AC and soil, 2.32 ºC between soil and grass, and 7.54 ºC between AC and grass surfaces. It was suggested at the end of the study that in the new developing cities having the same features as Erzurum, open spaces between the structures and areas along the roads must be covered with grass surfaces and recreational and aesthetical spaces must be left.