Reading Comprehension — quick quiz

Read the passage and answer the question that follows. Urban heat islands are metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas. This temperature difference is primarily caused by human activities and modifications to the landscape. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat more than natural landscapes like forests and water bodies. During the day, these structures absorb solar radiation, and at night, they release the stored heat, keeping urban areas warmer. The lack of vegetation in cities also contributes to the problem, as plants naturally cool the air through evapotranspiration. Cities can mitigate heat island effects by planting more trees, installing green roofs, using reflective building materials, and increasing the number of parks and water bodies. According to the passage, why do urban areas remain warmer at night?