microclimate
/ˈmaɪkroʊˌklaɪmət/
Definition
A localized area where the climate, such as temperature or humidity, differs from the surrounding region due to factors like topography or vegetation.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the Greek 'mikros' (small) and the Greek 'klima' (inclination or zone). It entered English in the early 20th century to describe distinct weather conditions within a small, specific geographic area.
In the news
The article mentions microclimates in the context of fire science research, noting that they can cause unpredictable and dangerous shifts in how wildfires behave across a landscape. Understanding these small-scale atmospheric variations is critical for effective firefighting and safety.
Megafires, Land Use, and Climate Change
Read the full article ↗The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists