MACRO AND MICRO

CLIMATE
~UPASANA DHAKAL
 MICRO CLIMATE:
• The microclimate or miniature climate is the local or small-scale environmental
conditions that influence plant growth and development, such as
evapotranspiration and wind. This term is often used as an equivalent for a
macroclimate, the seasonal or large-scale climate. As a result of the plant effect,
we can observe different types of microclimates.

• A microclimate is more localized than the weather or local climate and is

therefore generally much easier to understand and predict. Weather conditions,
on the other hand, have a larger projection and, as a result, are more difficult to
predict.
 FACTORS AFFECTING MICRO CLIMATE
The microclimate is affected by the weather, and the weather is affected by the wind, temperature,
relative humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure. There is a clear relationship between
wind and temperature: the temperature is cooler in an area with light wind and warmer in an area
with heavier wind.
This concept of microclimate is very important, as it plays an important role in the growth of plants.
In a greenhouse, there are two types of microclimates:

• A sheltered microclimate is present in the greenhouse. This microclimate results from the
greenhouse itself, which may protect the plant from the sun.
• A natural microclimate is that which is present outdoors. The temperature of the soil is affected
by the amount of shade cast by the surrounding vegetation and by the presence or absence of
water. Air movement caused by the wind may also be important. This can also contribute to
increased humidity. Plant growth is related to microclimates that support high levels of light and
heat.
 USES:
A microclimate can be used for the following:
• Plant phenology: the observation of growth, flowering, fruiting, and the death of a plant
• Water balance: the calculation of the evaporation and transpiration of water from plants
• Climatic studies: the comparison of a microclimate with the seasonal climate of a region
• Plant selection: the placement of plants that have specific needs for microclimate
• Design: the specification of a structure in terms of space usage
• Air quality and air pollution: the reduction of harmful gasses, like carbon dioxide and nitrous
oxide
 MACRO CLIMATE
• Macro climate is the overall climate of a region usually a large geographic area.
The macro climate around a building cannot be affected by any design changes, however the building
design can be developed with a knowledge of the macro climate in which the building is located.
General climatic data give an idea of the local climatic severity:
· Seasonal accumulated temperature difference (degree day) are a measure of the outside air
temperature, though do not account for available solar
· Typical wind speeds and direction
· Annual totals of Global Horizontal Solar Radiation
· The driving rain index (DRI) relates to the amount of moisture contained in exposed surfaces and
will affect thermal conductivity of external surfaces.
This Meteorological data gives a general impression of the climate at the site of a building and the
building design can be planned accordingly. However the building itself and surrounding geography
will affect the local climate.