Urban topoclimates in the city of Presidente Prudente, Brazil and the effects of its relief and heterogeneous surface coverages

• Grant number: 12/05040-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Jaschke Machado
• Grantee: Adriano Aparecido Franchini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this project is to verify the occurrence of different topoclimates and their spatial distribution within the urban area of the city of Presidente Prudente, Brazil. The occurrence of different topoclimates will be observationally verified through field works.Data collection will take place in different sectors of the city, characterized by specific patterns of relief. The specific features of the relief should include: flat areas (valley bottoms and/or plateaus), areas with steep slopes and areas with mixed surface coverage (buildings, lakes and/or trees).Preliminary data will consist of a photographic survey of the areas to be studied, its location, and description and characterization of its landscapes. In a second phase of the fieldwork will be collected environmental parameter data (temperature and humidity of the air, wind intensity and direction, radiation and sensible heat fluxes) for these same areas. In the measurements of temperature and humidity as well as the intensity and direction of the wind, it shall be used instruments and apparatus of the LATOGEO (Laboratory of Topography and Geodesy FCT/UNESP). In the measurements of energy fluxes will be used sensors of the Research Project Estudo observacional do conforto térmico nas cidades do médio Paranapanema (FAPESP process no. 11/08520-8). Finally, during the third and final stage, the environmental data will be analyzed and related to the elements of the urban landscape, seeking to highlight the effects of topography and surface coverages in the different topoclimates. (AU)