Evaluating the Spatial-Seasonal Variation, Heterogeneity and Distribution of Urban Thermal Environment: Case Study of Nanjing, China

Abstract

Abstract. Urban thermal environment (UTE), as a important parameter in urban ecosystem, strongly and directly linking to urban development and human health. In recently decades, rapid urbanization and population development resulted in serious urban thermal environment problem particularly the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. Today, it’s urgent to control and curb urban thermal environment based on the UTE’s spatial-temporal characteristics, in addition, the seasonality of UTE lacked in-depth understanding, which is also a significant question in UTE management, a better understanding the UTE will help human improve governing efficiency and effect. Thus, in our study, we investigated the spatial-seasonal variation and distribution of UTE by statistic analysis, spatial index analysis and landscape metric analysis. We found that: there has a significant spatial and temporal differences on UTE under different seasons, the UHI intensity and mean LST showing a significant difference and stability, additionally, “heat island” of urban showing a cluster trend in urban space particularly in high UHI intensity seasons. These results extend our understanding on the spatial-seasonal variation, heterogeneity and distribution of UTE and which can provide very significant reference and information for urban decision-makers to govern UTE.