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)
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)
