Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
13:27
Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
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Synergetic interaction between spatial land cover dynamics and expanding urban heat islands
Kanaya Dutta1, Debolina Basu2, Sonam Agrawal3
1GIS Cell, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211004, India. rgi1604@mnnit.ac.in.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|March 13, 2021
Summary
Urban heat islands (UHIs) in a tropical city were mapped using satellite data, revealing temperature increases linked to reduced vegetation and increased impervious surfaces over two decades. Green spaces significantly mitigate urban heat, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Remote Sensing
- Urban Climatology
Background:
- Urban heat islands (UHIs) pose significant environmental challenges in tropical mega-cities.
- Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of UHIs is crucial for effective urban planning and climate adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize and map urban heat island zones in a tropical mega-city and its satellite towns using inherent surface temperature statistics.
- To investigate the parameters influencing UHI intensity and the spatiotemporal variability of UHIs.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of green spaces in mitigating UHI intensity and strategize for sustainable urban development.
Main Methods:
- Application of flexible threshold values for UHI zoning, independent of seasonal or locational influences.
- Mapping UHI zones from Landsat thermal bands using the mono-window algorithm for 1999, 2009, and 2019.
- Quantification of land use land cover dynamics, vegetation cover, impervious surface index, and landscape metrics.
Main Results:
- Abrupt localized surface temperature rises were observed per decade, correlated with decreased vegetation cover and increased impervious surfaces.
- A cooling effect of 0.938°C was noted from urban built-up areas to nearby green parks (within 50m).
- Differential urbanization rates in central urban and satellite areas showed varying UHI magnification.
Conclusions:
- Land use land cover changes, particularly reduced vegetation and increased impervious surfaces, are primary drivers of UHI intensification.
- Green spaces and strategic urban planning, including sustainable policies and green landscaping, are essential for mitigating UHI effects.
- Proximity to green areas and built-up density are key factors in developing effective UHI mitigation strategies.
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