The Role of Climatic Factors in the Deterioration of Immovable Cultural Heritage: a Case Study of Tanga Coastal Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how climatic condition leads to the deterioration of immovable cultural heritage along the coast of Tanga. Therefore, study aimed at finding out whether climate was the factor brings about the deterioration of immovable cultural heritage along the coast of Tanga and its influence on the biological and environmental aggressors. The project cover historical building and landscape scenes In addition all the deterioration caused by the climatic condition were identified and recorded together with its cultural and historical properties. In order to capture the above stated objective the study was guided by the following hypothesis. Coastal climatic conditions lead to the deterioration of immovable cultural heritage. Second coastal climatic conditions do not lead to the deterioration of immovable cultural heritage. The major findings have revealed that the deterioration of immovable cultural heritage along the coast of Tanga are directly and indirectly attributed to climatic conditions. The climatic agent which include humidity, rainfall, temperature and wind caused decay of wooden construction materials, cracking and splitting of walls due to contraction and expansion. Corrosion of iron sheet, peeling off of wall plaster and falling down of some walls of historic building was also noticed. Furthermore, it became evident that the climatic condition indirectly provided a conducive environment for the growth of plants, microorganism and insect pests leading to deterioration of construction materials on immovable cultural heritage. With such research findings one can conclude that climatic condition as a natural aggressor play a significant role in deterioration of immovable cultural heritage along the coast of Tanga. However this does not mean diminishing the role of human being. The study therefore recommend for regular condition survey, rehabilitation and maintenance of immovable cultural heritages.