What is one effect of using dark asphalt in urban areas?

Using dark asphalt in urban areas contributes to the urban heat island effect primarily due to its low albedo properties. Albedo refers to the reflectivity of a surface; dark colors, such as those found in asphalt, absorb more solar radiation compared to lighter surfaces. This absorption of heat not only raises the surface temperature of the asphalt but also affects adjacent areas, leading to an overall increase in ambient temperatures within urban environments.

Urban heat islands occur in densely built areas where natural landscapes have been replaced with infrastructure, including roads and buildings that, like dark asphalt, absorb and retain heat. Consequently, the localized heating can exacerbate energy consumption due to increased demand for air conditioning, negatively impact air quality, and affect local weather patterns. Thus, the choice of materials used in urban design plays a significant role in the thermal dynamics of city environments, and dark asphalt significantly contributes to the urban heat island phenomenon.