Microclimatic effects of a large urban forest on the surrounding thermal environment in cities of the hot arid zone

The cooling effect of vegetation is a well known phenomenon.  Trees do not only provide shade by intercepting solar radiation but also soak up groundwater, which cools the surrounding air through evapotranspiration from the leaves.  The purpose of this study is to give a detailed quantitative investigation into the effects of an urban forest on the surrounding thermal environment of the central business district in a desert city.  Two approaches where adopted in conducting this...