The impact of land use/land cover (LULC) on land surface temperature (LST) is significant and multifaceted. Different land cover types absorb and reflect solar radiation differently, affecting the amount of heat absorbed by the Earth's surface. For example:
Urban Areas: Urban areas tend to have higher LST compared to rural or vegetated areas due to the abundance of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat. This phenomenon is known as the urban heat island effect.
Vegetated Areas: Vegetation, such as forests and grasslands, can mitigate LST by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and cooling through the process of photosynthesis. Vegetation absorbs solar radiation for photosynthesis and releases water vapor through transpiration, which cools the surrounding area.
Water Bodies: Water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, can have a cooling effect on LST due to their high heat capacity. They absorb and release heat more slowly than land surfaces, moderating temperatures in their vicinity.
Bare Soil or Desert: Areas with minimal vegetation cover, such as deserts or bare soil, can experience high LST as these surfaces absorb and retain heat effectively.
Overall, changes in land use and land cover can alter the balance of energy exchange between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere, leading to variations in land surface temperature. Understanding these relationships is crucial for land management and urban planning to mitigate the adverse effects of heat islands and climate change.