Boundary-Layer Meteorology

, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp 411–437 | Cite as

The urban boundary layer in Montreal

  • T. R. Oke
  • C. East
Article

Abstract

Horizontal and vertical sampling of the atmosphere has provided new information on the form of Montreal's urban heat island. The horizontal pattern under clear skies with light winds shows a major heat island, with marked gradients at the periphery, and a multicellular inner core. Retarded urban cooling rates in the evening yield a maximum heat-island intensity around midnight. Combined horizontal and vertical temperature surveys show that under conditions of strong rural stability, the lowest layers of the urban atmosphere become progressively modified as air moves toward the centre of the city. The change in the form of the potential temperature profile is in good agreement with Summers' internal boundary-layer hypothesis. In Montreal differing heights of heat and SO2 emission appear to produce more than one internal layer. SO2 observations, and heat input calculations reveal two major emission sources in Montreal; one associated with an industrial complex, and the other with the downtown core.

Keywords

Urban Heat Island Inner Core Major Emission Urban Atmosphere Light Wind 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© D. Reidel Publishing Company 1971

Authors and Affiliations

  • T. R. Oke
    • 1
  • C. East
    • 2
  1. 1.Dept. of GeographyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
  2. 2.École de Santé Publique, Université de MontréalMontréalCanada

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