GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The main causes are changes in the land surface by urban development along with waste heat generated by energy use. As population centers grow, they tend to change greater areas of land which then undergo a corresponding increase in average temperature.

Detailed explanation-2: -"Urban heat islands” occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs (e.g., for air conditioning), air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality.

Detailed explanation-3: -In cities, surfaces such as asphalt and black roofing shingles absorb solar radiation, heating the atmosphere to a temperature warmer than that in adjacent rural areas. This results in warm urban regions surrounded by slightly cooler rural regions-an “island” of warmer temperatures.

Detailed explanation-4: -Downtown New York City is an urban heat island, a built-up area with temperatures that are higher than the rural areas surrounding it.