Summary micro-climate

MICRO-CLIMATES

Valley Climates
The micro-climate of valleys (the effect of the slope aspect)

Aspect refers to the angle of the sun hitting a slope
 only important polewards from the tropics (within the tropics, it does not
make much difference as the sun’s rays hit directly and not at an angle)

The Season also plays a big role in determining temperature in a valley

, The temperature variations determine vegetation in the valley. In the Southern Hemisphere:


NORTH-FACING SLOPES (face the Equator)
 Soils are warmer & drier because of direct sun's rays and evaporation
 Naturally these slopes host grass
 Crops like maize & sugar cane can be grown, as well as sun ripened fruits e.g. grapes
 Houses are placed on the N-facing slopes to get light & decrease heating costs




SOUTH-FACING SLOPES (face the poles)
 Moist as they are in the shade.
 Natural vegetation is trees/ shrubs/ shade loving plants
 Commercial (pine) plantations are grown here

On the cold valley floor, frost occurs - only frost resistant crops can be grown (wheat & sugar beet)