overlaid to compare the spatial distribution of each to judge the impact of land cover on urban heat.
Looking on the map above (Figure1), you can see that the interior portions of the city of Valdosta, Georgia are much warmer than the surrounding rural areas. In some cases, this difference is as high as 15 degree Celsius. The inner city land cover is dominated by areas of dense impervious infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, while the surrounding areas are much more forested and so cooler as a result. Since the distribution of dense urban land cover is spatially correlated with the distribution of increased temperatures, it is clear that land cover is a dominant driver of heat in this location.
We can use technology to see what areas should have factories and still be able to keep the balance of heat without creating local climate changes. This would help our urban planners better manage this important health and environmental issue. This can show us what areas are best to create new farms or forest and the impact of this land cover change can be modeled before any cost and construction. I plan to continue with this project using higher spatial resolutions of thermal data to get a closer look at surface conditions related to urban heat.
Oke, T.R. and J.A. Voogt. (2003) Thermal remote sensing of urban climates. Remote Sensing of Environment, 86, 370-384.
Stone, Jr., Brian. (2007) Short Communication: Urban and rural temperature trends in proximity to large US cities: 1951-2000. International Journal of Climatology, 27, 1801-1807.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Website. The Urban Heat Island. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/health-society/heat-deaths.html
Last accessed June, 2015
I would like first to thank Dr. Buddhi Gyawali for giving me the chance to come out to Kentucky State University and live the college life for 3 weeks and gain exposure to the STEM program. I would also like to thank Jeremy Sandifer, Kolan Livingston, and the other members of our research team for the assistance with the project. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my mom because she pushes me when things get tough in life. Love you mom.