Assessment of Urban Heat Island Effects in Mashhad and Neishabour-Iran: A MODIS Imagery Approach

Subject Areas : Environment

Razieh Mirfazlolah ¹ , Sadegh Mokhtarisabet ²

1 - Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2 - Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran

Received: 2023-03-09 Accepted : 2023-07-20 Published : 2024-05-30

Keywords: Modis, LST, Urban Heat Islands, Goggle Earth Engine, ,

Abstract :

Background and objective: Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are critical challenges in rapidly urbanizing cities, impacting local climates and air quality. This study investigates the UHI effect in Mashhad and Neishabour, Iran, utilizing MODIS satellite imagery to assess temperature variations and their correlation with population density, land use changes, and air pollution levels. The objective is to identify spatial distributions of heat islands and provide insights for effective urban planning to mitigate these effects. Materials and methods: The study delineated the boundaries of Mashhad and Neishabour, establishing a 1-kilometer buffer zone around each city. A total of 1,005 MODIS images from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2022, were analyzed to estimate both daytime and nighttime surface temperatures. Various maps were produced to visualize temperature distributions, including a comparative analysis of urban and peripheral areas. Results and conclusion: The findings revealed significant temperature disparities, with urban areas exhibiting higher daytime temperatures compared to their outskirts. The spatial distribution of UHI effects was strongly correlated with population density and land use changes. Additionally, nighttime temperatures indicated less cooling in urban cores, exacerbating UHI effects. The study concludes that incorporating green spaces and sustainable urban design is essential for mitigating UHI impacts. Recommendations for future research include integrating ground-based measurements to enhance the accuracy of satellite data analyses, ultimately contributing to healthier urban environments.

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