Final answer:
The presence of surrounding vegetation can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade, reducing heat absorption, and cooling the air through evapotranspiration. Vegetation can also improve air quality in urban areas by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas are significantly hotter than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities. One of the factors that can influence the urban heat island effect is the presence of surrounding vegetation. Vegetation, such as trees and plants, can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and pavements, and cooling the air through the process of evapotranspiration.
For example, trees can create shade which reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the ground and can lower the surface temperature. They can also cool the air through the process of evapotranspiration, where water on the leaves of the trees evaporates, taking away heat in the process. This can help to lower the overall temperature in urban areas.
Furthermore, vegetation can also improve air quality in urban areas by absorbing pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter, and releasing oxygen. This can help create a healthier and more comfortable living environment.