What aspect does vegetation influence regarding microclimates?

Vegetation has a significant impact on air movement, thereby influencing microclimates. When plants are present, they can create physical barriers that disrupt or redirect wind patterns, leading to localized areas of calm or increased air circulation. This change in air movement can affect temperature and humidity levels around the vegetation, consequently altering the microclimate in that area. For example, dense vegetation may slow down wind speeds, creating a sheltered environment that supports higher humidity, while in contrast, sparse vegetation may allow for increased wind flow, which can result in drier conditions.

Understanding how vegetation influences air movement helps in the design of landscape and urban projects, as it can dictate the comfort levels of spaces for outdoor activities, affect the dispersion of pollutants, and even impact local weather patterns.