Microclimatology

Abstract

Origin and History of Microclimatological Research. Microclimatology is the science of climate on the smallest scale. It developed as a separate branch of our meteorological science in two entirely different ways. First, the progressive development of a network of meteorological observation stations attracted attention to local peculiarities of climate. Data gathered in mountainous regions, at stations on slopes, in valleys, and on mountain peaks revealed characteristic peculiarities. Soon differences were detected also in level regions, between stations in larger cities and those in the open country, near forests, or in agricultural territories. The attempt to distribute observation instruments expediently led, as early as the end of the nineteenth century, to the recognition that the type and condition of the soil, as well as the vegetation, had a considerable effect on the climatic data obtained. At the time, emphasis was placed on large-scale climate rather than on local peculiarities, and consequently measuring instruments were placed at a height where they would lie above the region of surface effects (about two meters above the ground). Only later did investigation of the climate near the ground become of interest. This interest was prompted by the fact that the thermodynamics and hydrodynamics of the earth’s surface determine changes in the state of the atmosphere above.

Translated from the original Germany.