Microclimate

A microclimate (or micro-climate) is a local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas, often slightly but sometimes substantially.

[4] A microclimate can offer an opportunity as a small growing region for crops that cannot thrive in the broader area; this concept is often used in permaculture practiced in northern temperate climates.

Cities often raise the average temperature by zoning, and a sheltered position can reduce the severity of winter.

[5] Microclimates are commonly created and carefully maintained in museum display and storage environments.

Examples of the cold air pool (CAP) effect are Gstettneralm Sinkhole in Austria (lowest recorded temperature −53 °C (−63 °F))[6] and Peter Sinks in the US.

[7] The presence of permafrost close to the surface in a crater creates a unique microclimate environment.

[9] The speleogenetic effect is an observed and studied process of air circulation within cave environments brought on by convection.

This air circulates water particles that condense on cave walls and formations such as speleothems.

This condensing water has been found to contribute to cave wall erosion and the formation of morphological features.

Some examples of this can be found in the limestone walls of Grotta Giusti; a thermal cave near Monsummano, Lucca, Italy.

The constant human traffic through these cave environments can have a negative effect on the microclimates as well as on the geological and archeological findings.

In unique conditions where acids are present, the effects of erosion and changes to the microenvironment can be drastically enhanced.

An example of this can be found in the Grotta Grande del Vento cave in Ancona, Italy.

On the other hand, if soil has many air pockets, then the heat could be trapped underneath the topsoil, resulting in the increased possibility of frost at ground level.