Aqa A-Level Geography: Contemporary Urban Environments Study Guide Rated A+

Urban air quality {Ans: - CO (carbon monoxide) causes heart problems, headaches and tiredness - twice as much CO2 in urban areas enhances greenhouse effect - 10x more nitrous oxide chases haze and respiratory problems and acid rain}Urban hydrology {Ans: Slate, tiles, concrete and tarmac are all impermeable urban surfaces - these cause a high rate of surface run off - With less vegetation in urban areas, there is reduced evapotranspiration - Less vegetation also means less interception and more precipitation landing on hard urban surfaces}Pull factors for urban areas (for) {Ans: - High income jobs - Fast and cheaper travel - Healthcare - Better social life (leisure, money, entertainment) - Family - Lots more education opportunities}Wind - Urban canyons {Ans: Urban canyons can form where narrow streets bordered by high-rise buildings funnelling and so concentrating winds}Tree pits {Ans: planting of greets into small concealed pits along pavements or soil beds Advantages - Natural defences to urban surface runoff - Removes air pollutants - Encourages downwards root growth Disadvantages - Require large footpath space - Not suitable in busy areas - Maintenance and litter removal}Rain gardens {Ans: Small depressions in the ground that act