Which surface type typically experiences higher surface temperatures?

Urban areas typically experience higher surface temperatures due to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This effect occurs when cities, with their extensive concrete, asphalt, and building materials, absorb and retain more heat than rural or natural landscapes. The materials used in urban infrastructure have low albedo, meaning they do not reflect much sunlight and instead absorb a significant amount of heat.

Additionally, urban environments often have reduced vegetation, which limits cooling through processes like evaporation and transpiration. The concentration of human activities in urban areas also contributes to heat generation from vehicles, buildings, and industrial activities. This combination of factors leads to urban areas having elevated temperatures compared to rural, forested, or wetland regions, where vegetation and water bodies help to moderate temperatures through natural cooling processes.