Satellite-derived urban heat islands from three coastal cities and the utilization of such data in urban climatology

TLDR

Satellite‑derived surface radiant temperature heat islands exhibit a pattern opposite to that of near‑surface air temperature heat islands. The study investigates questions about interpreting and limiting satellite data for heat island analysis and urban climate modeling. NOAA AVHRR infrared satellite data were used to map surface radiant temperature heat islands in Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Day‑time heat island intensities peak in the warm season and correlate strongly with land use, with industrial zones warmest and vegetated or coastal areas coolest, while nocturnal intensities and land‑use correlations are weaker.

Abstract

Abstract NOAA AVHRR satellite infra-red data are used to display the surface radiant temperature heat islands of Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. Heat island intensities are largest in the day-time and in the warm season. Day-time intra-urban thermal patterns are strongly correlated with land-use; industrial areas are warmest and vegetated, riverine or coastal areas are coolest. Nocturnal heat island intensities and the correlation of the surface radiant temperature distribution with land use are less. This is the reverse of the known characteristics of near-surface air temperature heat islands. Several questions relating to the interpretation and limitations of satellite data in heat island analysis and urban climate modelling are addressed.