Microclimatic study of Chico Mendes Park and its surroundings, in São Paulo/SP

• Grant number: 13/04484-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Physical Geography
• Principal Investigator: Emerson Galvani
• Grantee: Fernando Rocha Reis
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project aims to investigate the microclimate of Chico Mendes Park and its surroundings, through the analysis of data obtained by observing local weather: temperature and relative humidity. In addition to that, I also plan to identify the variations of temperature and relative humidity in the inner area of the park, its boundaries, and the external area (where there are businesses and residences). With this aim, equipment will be installed to collect data, Data Loggers Digital, which measures the temperature and relative humidity. Such equipment will be installed in the inner and external area of the park and also on its boundaries, and it will be collecting data during the four seasons, throughout the summer and winter solstices and the equinoxes of spring and autumn. The data will be examined and interpreted in order to reveal the differences that occur at points of collection where land is used for different purposes. Thus, I intend to identify the differences in temperature and relative humidity, explain what the natural and social causes that generate them are, and prove the relevance of the park to the local microclimate as a potential green space that works as a cooling island. Furthermore, this work should provide a stimulus to future research in this area and in other urban parks. (AU)