Influence of Topography on Local Atmospheric Features in a Peri-urban Area of Bahía Blanca (Argentina)

Abstract

The aim of the present work has been to identify the influence of topography on local atmospheric features at multiple temporal scales in a peri-urban area of Bahía Blanca (Argentina). Records were collected at two weather stations with a 35 m difference in elevation. As the area has been authorised for residential occupancy, knowing its hygrothermal distribution is considered essential for bioclimatic design. Topographical characteristics have an impact on local atmospheric features. In the lower areas of the valley records have shown lower temperature and higher humidity percentages than in the high areas. This difference increased during night hours and winter months. With clear skies, the thermal difference between both locations reached 4 °C in the hours before dawn in a winter’s day. The occurrence, intensity and duration of frosts were higher in the lower areas of the valley.