Within urbisphere we are developing new ways to represent city dynamics in weather and climate models. Our flexible observing and data archiving system SmUrObs when deployed in Berlin (2022-23) had 24 sites (ALC, LAS, DWL, radiation/flux). Sensors then operated in Paris (2023-24), are now being installed in Bristol (2024-5). Intensive observation periods (IOPs) had mobile ALC, AWS, plus 2-3 radiosoundings at concurrent sites. Our Freiburg (2022->) 40 outdoor AWS network had 100 indoor sensors (summer 2023) measuring heat stress in a hospital and school. Optical, thermal and hyperspectral cameras deployed in Berlin, Paris and Heraklion IOPs are mapping spectral properties of city materials and facets. With satellite imagery we cover multiple scales and provide model parameter and assess weather and climate models.
Analysis of field campaign observations with high resolution modelling is helping us explore the dynamic influences of a city on its overlying boundary layer both within the city and downwind, under different conditions. The Berlin and Paris dense regional sensor networks allow us to compare inner and outer city boundary layer responses, as well as differences in air that passes parallel to the city. The campaigns allow analyses for different conditions (ex: typical spring, extreme heatwave) as vegetation (e.g. leaf-off, drought) and human activity (e.g. small areas of irrigation) across the region change roles. Land surface temperatures (LST) are supporting model evaluations across scales (NWP to building facet), benefiting from new, enhanced methods to extract and up/downscale LST. ML is used to estimate indoor and outdoor climate using projections to assess differentially impacts to people.
We undertake feedback modelling between human and atmospheric dynamics linked to (ex): energy use (ex: London), and heat stress (ex: Freiburg, Colombo, Lahore). We are enhancing understanding inter- and intra-city form and function (ex: Stuttgart, Berlin) using household surveys to examine linkages and relations between perceived heat considering urban structure types, demographics, local conditions (ex: vegetation, shaded areas) from inner to outer city.
Our weekly all research team meeting, allow all to learn about ongoing and planned work (ex: field activities) in each study city. We communicate and disseminate our work through publications, our website, GitHub, Zenodo, social media, real-time open data, press releases, policy briefings.
