Remote evaluation of the influence of vegetation cover on the land surface temperature in main geotechnical systems of the large city (by the example of Minsk)

The influence of vegetation cover on the Land Surface Temperature (LST) was studied in main types of geotechnical systems (GTS) in Minsk (industrial, municipal, residential multi-apartment and estate, public, road, special territories, etc.). A coupled analysis of a differentiated geographic information system (GIS) and Earth remote sensing data was used.

Vegetation cover was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), Canopy chlorophyll content (CCC), and greening degree (%).

The analysis revealed significant negative relationships between LST and vegetation indices when comparing all types of territories in the city (R² varies within 0.42…0.45). Connections are weaker in the main types of GTS. The coefficients of determination LST with NDVI and the greenery degree in industrial and communal, public, residential multi-apartment and estate GTS are estimated respectively at 0.06 (0.31), 0.13 (0.25), 0.18 (0.27), and 0.28 (0.22). This indicates a more significant effect of technogenic elements on LST.

Cartographic analysis of the differences between the average LST values in sections of various GTS and natural ecosystems in the urban area from the average values for the corresponding types of GTS and natural complexes revealed areas of the urban territory with increased or decreased LST values.

The differences for the GTS and natural ecosystems vary from –3.0° to +3.0° on the most of the territory of Minsk. However, areas with higher differences are noted in the city. The warmest areas are mainly territories of densely built-up industrial zones, separate areas of residential multi-apartment and public area, located in the historical center and in the new buildings on the outskirts of the city. They are characterized by a high density of buildings, hard surfaces, a low greenery degree and sparse of trees and shrubs.

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