microclimates
Tiny weather zones
Microclimates are localized atmospheric conditions that differ from the surrounding area.
A sheltered garden corner may be warmer than the open yard; a north-facing slope stays cooler than nearby south-facing terrain.
Urban areas create microclimates through pavement and buildings that trap heat.
Gardeners and farmers pay close attention to microclimates when choosing where to plant: The vineyard's microclimate produces exceptional grapes.
Measured heat intensity
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- windAir current outdoors
- shadeDarkness from blocked light
- sunlightRadiance from our star
moisture · frost · dewpoint · evaporation · air circulation · radiation · shelter · exposure
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- nicheRecessed wall space
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- floraPlants of a region
fauna · endemic · adaptation · canopy · understory · microhabitat · ecotone · biotic
Low ground between heights
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
- hillsideSloping terrain face
- ravineDeep, narrow valley
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
aspect · elevation · topography · windward · leeward · frost pocket · inversion · canyon
Grape-growing estate
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- orchardFruit tree plantation
- greenhouseClimate-controlled plant enclosure
- gardenCultivated plant area
frost protection · windbreak · irrigation · soil temperature · growing season · harvest · crop · planting
Urban zone warmer than surroundings
- rooftopBuilding's top exterior surface
- courtyardEnclosed open-air space
- alleyNarrow way between buildings
- plazaPublic open square
pavement · concrete · asphalt · building · shade · reflection · ventilation · green space
temperature
Measured heat intensity
sunlight · moisture · frost · dewpoint · evaporation · air circulation · radiation · shelter · exposure · precipitation
ecosystem
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- nicheRecessed wall space
- biodiversityRange of life forms
flora · fauna · endemic · adaptation · canopy · understory · microhabitat · ecotone · biotic · abiotic
valley
Low ground between heights
ridge · aspect · elevation · topography · windward · leeward · frost pocket · inversion · canyon · hollow
vineyard
Grape-growing estate
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- orchardFruit tree plantation
- greenhouseClimate-controlled plant enclosure
garden · frost protection · windbreak · irrigation · soil temperature · growing season · harvest · crop · planting · shade cloth
heat island
Urban zone warmer than surroundings
- rooftopBuilding's top exterior surface
- courtyardEnclosed open-air space
- alleyNarrow way between buildings
plaza · pavement · concrete · asphalt · building · shade · reflection · ventilation · green space · parking lot
- gardeninggardener, gardening, flowers, seeds, soil
- rainforestrainforest, jungle, tropical, tropics, canopy
- regional featurestopography, coastlines, valleys, plateaus, wetlands
- California weatherSanta Ana winds, June gloom, marine layer, dry summers, mild winters
- Mountain Climatehigh altitude, thin air, altitude, snowfall, temperature extremes
- climate farmingcold frames, greenhouses, windbreaks, shade cloth, frost protection