Management Strategies of Thermal Environment in Urban Area Using the Cooling Function of the Mountains: A Case Study of the Honam Jeongmaek Areas in South Korea

Jeong-Min Son, Jeong-Hee Eum, Dong-Pil Kim and Jino Kwon
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Jeong-Min Son: Department of Architecture, Graduate School, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea
Jeong-Hee Eum: Department of Landscape Architecture, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea
Dong-Pil Kim: Department of Landscape Architecture, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnanjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsannam-do 50463, Korea
Jino Kwon: Urban Forests Research Center, Forest Conservation Department, National Institute of Forest Science, 57 Hoegiro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02455, Korea

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: The aim of this study is to suggest planning strategies for managing comfortable thermal environments in urban areas by local cold air generated in mountains, which finally contributes to making sustainable and eco-friendly cities. For this purpose, we selected urban areas in the Honam Jeongmaek in Korea and analyzed the nighttime cold airflow and altitude of the cold air layer generated in mountains, by using the KALM (Kaltluftabflussmodell) model which calculates the amount of cold air generated during the nighttime without winds. The results of analysis found that the local airflows generated in Mt. Chuwol, Mt. Mudeung, Mt. Cheonun, Mt. Byeongpung and Mt. Geum influenced the entire study site from across Gwangju Metropolitan City to adjacent areas. Therefore, the mountains generated major cold airflows should be designated as the management area for securing cooling function. As a result of detailed analysis, most developed areas, such as Buk-gu, Seo-gu and Nam-gu, as well as industrial areas, did not have a smooth flow, so management strategies were needed. In particular, Mt. Mudeung and Mt. Cheonun were the source areas of the local cold air generation and the generated flows from the mountains could influence into developed areas of Gwangju Metropolitan City. Thus, thorough preservation policies are required for Mt. Mudeung and Mt. Cheonun from development that causes damages to mountainous terrain and topography. This study could support the establishment of systematic management plans of the Honam Jeongmaek in preparation for climate change. In addition, it is expected to be used to develop policies related to the quantitative expansion of mountain areas with cooling functions and the conservation of sustainable mountain areas.

Keywords: nocturnal cold air; cooling function; mountain range; urban heat island; KALM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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