Multi-dimensional analysis of land use/land cover and urbanization on seasonal variation of land surface temperature in İzmir, Türkiye

Abstract

Climate change-induced extreme meteorological phenomena, such as sudden temperature fluctuations, are raising global concerns. Increasing their adaptation capacity against temperature changes between seasons is becoming a more critical issue. The aim of this paper is to explore the association between surface temperature (ST) during the four seasons and urban geography in the city center of Izmir. The study identifies built environment parameters that impact seasonal land surface temperatures (LST) through spatial and statistical analysis at the local scale. At the same time, QUADRANT analysis revealed the spatial distinction between neighborhoods showing high LST compliance on a local scale (cooler summers and warm winters as well as neighborhoods showing LST sensitivity (hotter summers and colder winters. A spatial distinction is also revealed, showing significant differences in vegetation, number of buildings, building heights, and land use/cover change types. Geographic regression simulations show that the density of vegetation is vital in mitigating seasonal LST values, especially in making summers cooler and winters warmer. At the same time, population and built-up area density also play a role in increasing LST. Findings are consistent for neighborhood-scale analyses. Variables explain 26% in autumn, 31% in winter, 34% in spring, and 43% in summer. The study, which reveals the pressure of population and urbanization on temperatures, also highlights the adaptive character of the environment in adjusting the temperatures.