Why Cities Are Warmer
為什麼城市比較熱
— English reading, TOEFL
文章
On a summer evening, the center of a large city can be several degrees warmer than the countryside around it. This effect is known as an urban heat island.
夏天傍晚，大城市的市中心可能比周圍鄉村熱上好幾度。這種現象稱為「都市熱島」。
The main cause is the materials cities are built from. Asphalt and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly after sunset.
主要原因在於城市的建材。柏油和混凝土白天吸收熱量，日落後再慢慢釋放出來。
In addition, cities have fewer trees, which cool the air by releasing water through their leaves. Air conditioners and cars add even more heat.
此外，城市的樹木比較少，而樹木會透過葉子釋出水分來使空氣降溫。冷氣機和汽車又帶來更多熱量。
To reduce the problem, some cities are planting trees, painting roofs white and creating rooftop gardens.
為了減輕這個問題，有些城市正在種樹、把屋頂漆成白色，並打造屋頂花園。
生詞
countryside 鄉村
urban 都市的
material 材料
asphalt 柏油
concrete 混凝土
absorb 吸收
release 釋放
rooftop 屋頂的