El impacto del arbolado de alineación en el microclima urbano. Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

A knowledge of the dynamic urban environmental system is essential when designing planning and management strategies that enable better urban planning. Street trees are part of the green infrastructure and provide multiple social and environmental benefits to citizens. In summertime, when the highest temperatures are recorded, trees contribute to improving human thermal comfort. Vegetation modifies the local climate because it regulates temperature and relative humidity by generating a microclimate. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of street trees on the microclimate of the city of Bahía Blanca in Argentina. To evaluate the microclimate, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were measured under the trees and away from the trees. Measurements were made considering three trees species with different crown structures. Data were recorded in the morning, noon, and afternoon on two typical summer days. Four neighbourhoods with different building typologies were selected. The streets selected had different orientations: north-south and west-east. Data analysis showed that the temperature under the trees was lower than further away from the trees. This situation was most visible between 12 noon and 3 pm. and wind speed was lower under the trees since they act as obstacles. This research evaluates the climatic benefits generated by trees in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]